• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The opening of the Art Association of Bacolod-Negros’ 49th anniversary art exhibition at the Main Atrium, North Wing of SM City Bacolod Monday, kicking off its golden anniversary celebration for next year, was led by Netherlands Ambassador to Indonesia Adriaan Palm, Bacolod Councilors Em Ang and Jason Villarosa, SM City Bacolod mall manager Julia Javellana, AABN president Tey Sevilleno and past president Annette Feria.
The show of the longest running art association in the Visayas runs until July 28 and features over 50 artworks of 32 participating artists.
Sevilleno, in her message, said AABN currently has over 100 members from Bacolod and other places in Negros, with some based abroad. “We are looking forward to our 50th anniversary celebration next year and we are officially kicking-off our celebration (today) for our golden anniversary… where we plan to come out with a coffee table book, and hold exhibitions at the Art District and SM City Bacolod.”
“We would also like to acknowledge our past presidents who have served and led us throughout these five decades of art and camaraderie,” she added.
The Art Association of Bacolod was organized in 1975 after a painting competition held by Jess Ayco which gathered Bacolod’s finest artists to showcase their talents on canvas.
With a thriving art scene in the city, Edgardo “Budot” Lizares saw the opportunity to organize an art association of artists. And after a meeting with Jess Ayco, Rafael Paderna, Rodney Martinez, and Beneldez Familiaran, they endeavored to hold a series of workshops with local artists. It was on July 4, 1975 that AAB was formally organized.
AAB also played a vital role in the establishment of the now world renowned MassKara Festival. Its past president Ely Santiago introduced the idea of a festival of painted masks made of paper mache, over a gathering of AAB artists who then gave lessons in mask-making to the different barangays for them to create a seasonal source of income, which also became entries in the festival.*
