By Shy Polido
SOME young artists gathered under a favorable color of afternoons in Brgy. Sto. Nino Sur in the city’s Arevalo district.
The weather was fine so these creative minds converged at a certain call of inspiration. Now with their budding ideas, wit, resourcefulness, excited hands, and passion, the sands within the area were left with the right amount of awe.
It’s the young buds’ time to immerse with their art – with safety and health protocols in place. Two to three hours in the making and we’re really surprised with the output.
Now, they’re making rounds online! For their artworks seem to touch a deeper color, better than the hues of sticks and sands.
Forming the team
Mr. Edwin Guiquin, manager of Sto. Niño Sur Arevalo Beach Art Group, formed the team back in 2014 with the aspiration to open doors, not only for these youngsters’ artistry, but also with the hope of growth.
However, after his head artist Jerwin Sano got married, their art plans were temporarily halted, Guiquin shared.
Now amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Guiquin found a way back – some sort of fresh starts for their dreams before.
“Paano kung i-revive naton ang beach art? Kay pandemic subong, gusto gid naton nga magbalik ang mga tawo,” he told Panay News.
Alongside this will, Guiquin is also hoping to jumpstart his small business, the Fredman Resort, who was badly hit by the pandemic.
He talked about how his space is now visited by nearby residents – to peek into and take snaps of their group’s artwork, which at the end of the day, gives joy to the viewers.
Following the journey
The process is simple, according to Guiquin: gather at the area, brainstorm for a certain concept (well, usually they’re into current events and trends), materialize ideas into tangible images (stencils) and get the hands ready for work.
“We are using bamboo sticks and stencil images. Kag ang balas mismo,” he added.
Typically, there are at least 10 artists doing the artworks. If the image was in a larger size, they could gather up to 15 members, he shared.
Since the revival of their beach art, Guiquin said they have made a variety of artworks:
Images of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ
Sand art tribute to NBA MVP LeBron James and Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas
Rosary (lastest; as the country marks the Holy Rosary Month)
Meanwhile, Mayor Treñas have expressed his gratefulness to the young artists.
“The Ilonggos truly standout in terms of art. I am grateful to the Sto. Niño Sur Arevalo Beach Art Group composed of Jerwin Sano, Jose Jesal Militante, Andrei Jozeen Abilo, Kenneth John Inquit, Joshua Abilo, Carl Dominique Andrade, John Michael Ganway, Kent Terrence Monsale, Jimler Ybañez, Zidric Monsale, Kevin Sesbreño, and Royce Jasper Wite with their manager Edwin Guiquin for this sand art,” Treñas wrote in Facebook post. “They messaged me that they are thankful for the support of the city during the lockdown at Sto. Niño Sur and presented this work of art to show appreciation.”
Purpose
Guiquin is also inviting other artists to join their activity held every 3 p.m.-5 p.m. (that’s if the weather agrees).
And one admirable thing to add on top of this heartwarming cause? Every afternoon’s activity is also a chance for them to clean the coastlines.
Guiquin said, while doing their beach art, they are also mindful of the wastes around thus initiating the cleanup. Amazing!
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Now amid this adversity, may we see hope with these young talents for their works speak volumes of inspiration./PN
