Guhit ČESko

“Guhit ČESko”

Sun.Star Davao, Sept. 3, 2011

Five young budding artists from Davao recently joined the Czech Embassy Manila’s art competition dubbed as “Guhit ČESko: the Czech Republic Through my Eyes”.

Twenty-two official entries from Manila, Cebu and Davao were featured during the art exhibit held at the Philippines’ premier children’s museum--Museo Pambata along Roxas Boulevard, Manila.

The children’s art exhibit, which was the first in a series of art competitions being hosted by the Czech Embassy Manila’s Cultural Section, aimed to “provide a glimpse of the Czech Republic’s sights, traditions and culture through the eyes of Philippine child artists aged 10-14”.

A cornucopia of breathtaking children’s artworks was on display during the two-week exhibit, which included paintings, drawings, a divadlo (Czech theatre) model and a wooden replica of the world-renowned Charles Bridge.

Mary Anne Tan-Guinoo, a Davao-based contemporary artist and sought-after art teacher, was the supportive mentor of the Dabawenyo junior artists, namely: Abegail Denise Louh, Kristen Marie Suarez, Denise Marie Suarez, Arian Melina Guinoo and Caye Alessandro Francisco.

Two of the Davao entries were chosen as among the ten finalists.

Kristen Marie Suarez, a Grade 5 student of St. Paul College Pasig Davao’s acrylic on canvas entry was entitled “A Czech Lady Selling Knedliky Pastries”.

“Kristen wanted to come up with fashion and Czechs all together so she decided to make a portrait of a Czech woman dressed in the country’s national costume while carrying some delicious goodies for sale”, explains Mary Anne.

In addition, Davao Christian High School third year high school student Abegail Denise Louh’s masterpiece, “Heavenly Lights”, almost came in the top five.

Abegail played with warm hues using orange, red, brown and yellow tones. It is oil on canvas but has a water color effect. She artistically showed the historical structure of the Czech Republic—an awesome vision which encourages us to go visit the place”, describes the proud art instructor.

During the opening ceremonies held last month, the participants were given certificates of recognition by Monika Kazdova, Third Secretary and Consul and Head of the Cultural Section of the Czech Embassy Manila and Maricel Montero, Executive Director of Museo Pambata.

The awarding of winners followed shortly with De La Salle Zobel’s Trina Francesca Pagtakhan bagging the first prize. Her brilliant artwork, “Czech’s Republic’s Culture in the Eyes of the World”, represented the richness of the Czech Republic’s culture. It portrayed a small town in Czech Republic with the residents donning traditional costumes while dancing and playing music.

Meanwhile, Philippine High School for the Arts student Ron Emilio Limos’ artwork, “Puzzled”, was adjudged second place. On the other hand, Vanessa Gayle Tangcueco of St. Jude Catholic School’s “Window of Czech Republic” was chosen as the third place winner.

The winners received trophies, cash prizes, Czech commemorative coins and art supplies.

The Czech Embassy Manila will be hosting another painting contest this September.

“Sining ČESko” (literally translated as “My Czech Art”) is open to college and university level artists aged 16-21 from all over the Philippines.

With the theme, “The Czech Republic Through my Eyes”, the contest’s objective is to showcase the Filipino artist’s talents in the visual arts by combining the use of common art media with indigenous Philippine materials. Submission of entries is from September 1-30, 2011.

Kudos to the Czech Embassy Manila for honing the talents of our young Filipino artists and fostering closer ties between the two countries!

Special thanks to Jorem and Sheila Catilo Photography for the event’s photos.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.momabouttowndavao.blogspot.com.