By Miguel Victor T. Durian
The fusion of the arts and sciences was celebrated in the opening of “Artfully Science”, the exhibit of the Sining Makiling Gallery at the DL Umali Hall Basement at UP Los Baños (UPLB) on 7 October 2019.
Various leaders of research and development institutions have been invited as speakers to express their support for the gallery’s endeavor.
One of the keynote speakers during the opening was UP Executive Vice President Teodoro J. Herbosa, who emphasized the crucial role of the arts in forwarding the agenda of science to the community and policy makers.
His speech was delivered by Dr. Serlie Barroga-Jamias, Vice Chancellor for Community Affairs.
Another speaker was Dr. Alexander D. Madrigal, regional director of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region IV-A talked about one of the activities of the Los Baños Science Community Foundation, Inc., which is the Community Science and Art Collaboration Hub
He said that it aims to develop the youth’s appreciation for science through creative expression.
Celestino M. Palma II, executive director of Phil-Asia Heritage and Art Management, Inc., also discussed his advocacy in preserving the cultural heritage of Filipino artworks, especially among the youth.
Lastly, Prof. Jerry R. Yapo, director of the Office for Initatives in Culture and the Arts (OICA) which spearheaded the exhibit, aimed for the exhibit to keep the spirit of the arts alive amidst the dominant scientific culture in the Los Baños community.
The works of the following artists are included in the exhibit: Arnel Borja, Jay-Rness Ceria, Ivan Co, Cris Eguaras, Mara Fabella, Dennis Jimenez, Elena Malgapo-Domingo, Antonio Jesus Quilloy, Karla Sajona-Sta.Cruz, Roger “Rishab” Tibon, Jualim Vela, Ivan Cuento, Jeremiah Francisco, Carmela Masakayan, Anna Nabutel, and Andre Sy.
The exhibit featured artworks rendered in a myriad of media, suchs as brass, wood, acrylic, marble, crayons, steel, gem stones, brass wire, and oil pastel.
The community is welcome to view the exhibit from 7 October to 18 December. The Sining Makiling Gallery puts up exhibits quarterly featuring various themes and artists.