Two artists who have experienced life in the scenic City of Baguio and the aesthetic features of Switzerland have launched an exhibit of their respective artworks on Feb. 15 in a bid to raise funds to help promote art among the youth and further improve the creative industry in the city.
Entitled “Alpines: A Swiss-Baguio Art Fusion”, the newest exhibit at The Manor at Camp John Hay features the works of Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr. and Pasakalye Group of Artists member Claire Jaun-Torres who are working for the first time in collaboration with Sin-Agi artists, Baguio Educators’ Arts Guild, and Pasakalye artists.
The exhibit is part of a series of creative activities lined up for this month in coordination with the City Administrator’s Office, City Schools Division, and Baguio City National High School.
Yangot, who experienced the climate and spaces of Switzerland as well as the Swiss Alps after staying in the country for some years, said AlPines refers to the fusion of the Alps and Baguio as the City of Pines which is reflected on the pieces of artworks he and Torres offer to the public to appreciate or acquire.
Torres, who have successfully made her entry into the Baguio arts scene with her debut exhibit in the city in March 2022 and another display at The Manor also last year since becoming a Pasakalye member, said her latest works are an offshoot of her continuing passion to express beauty, imagination, and a plethora of emotions, the latter having been made more vivid by her recent loss of a loved one.
A Swiss-based abstract and action painting artist for many years, Torres has become more active in her craft in the city which she and her late husband consider one of their permanent homes.
Yangot and Torres put together at least 40 paintings for the exhibit at The Manor lobby.
Part of its proceeds will be used to establish an art gallery at the BCNHS, one of Baguio’s heritage sites.
“This art exhibit is dedicated to all creative people in the city. It is also an exhibit for a cause,” Yangot said.
Free creative workshops have also been organized at the BCNHS to support those who are interested to learn and improve their craft.
AlPines works are on display until April 30. – Hanna C. Lacsamana
