It all started as a vision by a multi-awarded Ilonggo artist named Melvin Guirhem two years ago.
That vision did not only focus on what he aimed to achieve for himself. It centered on how he can help his fellow artists and, at the same time, give back to the community.
It was because of that vision that the Puluy-an Art Gallery was born. Puluy-an is a Hiligaynon term for “home.”
Located in Barangay Bita Sur, a distant barangay in Oton town, it is the first-ever art gallery perhaps in the whole Iloilo province that is situated in the middle of a farm community. Puluy-an Art Gallery, as its name suggests, is now home to local artists and their artworks.
Melvin knew from personal experience the struggle of an artist like him to find a place where he and his artwork could be accommodated. He said he has to go to other places just to promote their arts.
“Although ara na ang abilidad sang Ilonggo artists, kita ko nga kulang sang lugar mismo in which maka-cater kag promote sang ila artworks, mahatagan freedom nga ma express nila ila self, ma-expound nila ang ideya nila nga wala sang boundary,” Melvin told Panay News.
The concept of a family or a household came to mind when he thought of the name for the art gallery.
He stressed that the place must embody a united family wherein each member, who has a different mindset, vision, and character, has the freedom to express himself.
The Puluy-an Art Gallery recently opened on Nov. 5, 2022. Every month, the gallery features individual artists and art groups.
Through the gallery, individual artists and art groups in Iloilo found a haven for their works.
The gallery is divided into two rooms – the Kwarto Uno and the Kwarto Dos.
The Kwarto Uno is designed for individual artists’ solo shows, while the Kwarto Dos is for art groups’ shows.
Melvin said the concept is still anchored in a family where there is a support system for everyone.
“Kon bag-o ka nga artist kag mag solo ka, daw ma boost ang moral mo kay may mga maupod ka diri nga artists nga ma-show. Sa group show ya, there are different artists, may young and old. Gina-connect sila para may learning man gihapon sa isa kag isa. May inspiration, like kon bag-o ka nga artist sa exhibit, makaupod mo ang mga medyo experienced. May learning kag mas ma-evaluate nila ang ila trabaho, mas ma-inspire sila,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the gallery is also conducting free art workshops open to people from all walks of life, especially the young ones.
This is part of Melvin’s mission to give back to the community. The workshops, which are done based on schedules, are led by Melvin and the exhibitors themselves.
“Gusto ko ma experience nila ang ginatawag nga art. Sometimes daw ma misinterpret nila kay abi nila ang art para lang sa mga tawo nga may tindog sa society. Diri ko nakita actually grabe ang ila happiness every time magkadto di ang mga kabataan kag ang mga tawo sa community,” he added.
Melvin noted that the workshop did not only help the kids in terms of skills but also helped them develop their self-esteem. Most importantly, it creates intimate bonding moments between them and their parents, peers, or classmates.
Melvin emphasized that art is not about money-making.
For him, the income generated through art exhibits is just a trophy for the skills and hard work exuded by the artists.
He also emphasized that the most rewarding thing about art is that the artist gets to realize and achieve his or her purpose and heart’s desire.
“Love your art kay palanggaon ka man sang art mo. Dal-on ka sang art mo kon ano man ang gusto mo madangatan. At the end of the day, wala ka regrets, no what-ifs,” he stressed.
Art usually just comes naturally, especially if it’s already in your vein, he said.
For those who are already in the art industry, Melvin advised them to just continue their passion and to always go back to themselves and their ultimate goal.
“Kay once magsulod ka sa art tungod lang sa ‘hype’, eventually kon indi mo ma-realize kon ano gusto sang mind mo, ma-frustrate ka kay hapaw ang pagka-intindi mo kag pagka kilala mo sa kaugalingon mo. Meaning kilalahon mo gid anay ang kaugalingon mo kon ano gid ang gusto mo,” he said.
Melvin is supported in his initiative by his wife, Recheal, who is a teacher.
In 2020, he won the grand prize at the Philippine Art Awards (PAA) for his fabric art, “Failed Reconciliation”./PN
Photos by TARA YAP/GLENDA TAYONA
