In this time of crisis, the role of art becomes more important and meaningful in our lives. People may easily take art for granted with the grand buffet of media available. However, the Davao art community has – once again – proven that there’s more to art than just being adornments on the wall.
Seeing the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical frontliners, the local art community rose up to the challenge with their pens and brushes and started painting for a great cause.
“It all started when our friend, fashion designer Steffy Misoles-Dacalus (aka Steffy de Mylo, who’s producing modified PPEs suits), approached me if we can do a fundraiser to produce PPEs for our frontliners,” shared classical painter, master muralist, art teacher and gallery owner Alfred Galvez.
This gave Galvez the idea of holding an online exhibit where artists can share their works.
“At first, this was just for Steffy’s production but I decided to look for a bigger organization to receive our donations. Fellow artist Nina Custodio suggested Generous Davao. Then artists Wilfred Dexter Tañedo (Davao) and Jessa Almirol (Manila) pitched in to volunteer in the logistics of collection of payments and artworks,” he added.
The online exhibit project is open to all artists – seasoned, professionals, hobbyists, students, aspiring artists.” We want that every artist be given a chance to be part of this endeavor,” said Galvez.
Upon informing them about the project, they immediately volunteered their artworks, and sent photos with details and pricing to Galvez. They were given a choice of either donating the entire amount of the sale or a 50% donation. The latter is a win-win situation for the artists since they can also earn while helping raise funds for the frontliners.
So far, more than 40 artists are now involved in the fundraiser, with more artists showing interest to join. Aside from local artists, they also have artist friends from Manila and the Visayas joining their cause.
“We are all part of this community, even if most of our artists belong to the low income group of our society, they share a substantial amount. All because it is innate to all artists to be concerned and to protect humanity and the environment. Artists will always step up,” Galvez said.
The Davao artists send their gratitude to all those who participated in the project, and to those who are still coming in. They are also thankful for the generosity of art patrons who are supporting their noble cause.
As of April 11, they have raised a total of P211,990.00 from the sale of their paintings. You can visit their online exhibit on Facebook.com/davaoartistsforthefrontliners.
