DAGUPAN CITY, Feb. 20 (PIA) – In celebration of the National Arts Month this February, the city government of Dagupan and the Dagupan City National High School (DCNHS) staged an art exhibit dubbed as ‘Darapilan’.
Teacher-in-Charge Widmark Balmores said the exhibit, housed at the DCNHS’ old main building, aims to promote arts to the public and showcase the works not just of professional local artists here in Pangasinan and Dagupan but also the masterpieces of students.
“This exhibit serves as an avenue for young artists. This is not just to showcase the works of professional local artists here in Dagupan but also the students. What started as just a passion for all of us is now displayed in this exhibit,” Balmores told the Philippine information Agency.
Art works of local artists like Paco Santos and Pope Dalisay, art patrons Rex Catubig and Rose Teng Mejia, among others, as well as the paintings and visual crafts of students, like a portrait of basketball legend Kobe Bryant, are featured in this exhibit.
‘Darapilan’ is a Pangasinan word that refers to a makeshift machine that squeezes out the best juices of sugarcanes or ‘onas’ like squeezing the emotions among artists to visualize and express what they feel.
Roze An Grace Zulueta, a Grade 12 Arts and Design student, said the exhibit helps students like her to discover their innate talents.
“Nakikita namin dito yung iba’t-ibang klase ng visual arts at kahit paano, mararamdaman din po namin kung ano ‘yung gustong ipahayag ng artists sa amin,” Zulueta said.
Grade 10 student John Paulo said the paintings not just present visuals but also symbolize the importance of the scenarios like the water ways and fishing boats and caring for the environment by not throwing garbage anywhere.
Meanwhile, as part of the city’s celebration, students taking up the Arts and Design Track and those engaged in Special Program for the Arts, took part in an Art Summit and mini conference on February 18.
A Plein Air art competition and short film exhibit dubbed as ‘Anino ed Telon’ was also organized with a ‘Pankakasakey’ Finale fellowship night at the Dawel River Cruise on February 22. (JCR/JND/VHS/PIA Pangasinan)
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