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Art in the Park 2020: Watch Robert Alejandro draw, buy a Garapata, make a masterpiece, and more interactive goodies!
Running for 14 years, Art in the Park 2020 will again open its booths underneath the shade of the trees of Jaime Velasquez Park in Makati City this March 15.
It is touted by many as the “Affordable Art Fair” as the most expensive artwork there should not be more than P50,000, inclusive of taxes. In fact, some original works at this may go as low as P500 or less.
It is also democratic, banishing the belief that art is highbrow, because look: At this fair, there is something for everybody. There are a lot of original artwork for collectors, pocket-friendly pieces for newbie art lovers, homeowners, and students; interesting installations for children; endless inspiration for artists themselves, and a lot of food and drinks for anyone who just wants to hang out in the area with family and friends.
With approximately 14,000 to 16,000 visitors heading to the outdoor fair every year (and that’s just all in one day!) there’s something different to look forward to at each edition, and we’ve rounded them up here:
Experience live drawing sessions by Robert Alejandro
Illustrator, painter, founding member of Ilustrador ng Kabataan (INK), and media personality Robert Alejandro will be holding live drawing sessions at the Avellana Art Gallery booth from 10am to 4pm (with limited sessions). It’s your chance to watch this beloved Filipino artist at work, and witness his art processes.
Watch drawing demos by Jackie Lozano
“We have a lot of new things now at Art in the Park,” says organizer Lisa Periquet “We have Richard Quebral and his paintings and work [at the Museum Foundation of the Philippines booth], and then we have a demo with Jackie Lozano, who will show her live portraiture process throughout the day, and anyone who’s there can watch.”
Buy customized art at a “Garapata Hatchery”
Artist Dex Fernandez’s alter ego Garapata will open a “Garapata Hatchery” at the fountain area of the park, where fair-goers can buy Garapata merchandise and artwork and even participate in the process.
“Dalawa ang market, may mga millennials na gustong maka-avail ng functional art, tapos may mga art buyers na gusto ng artwork. On the spot namin gagawin ang printing, may roll of paper sa booth na pupunuin ng Garapata art, i-infest namin, tapos puwedeng i-purchase by foot or by meter,” Fernandez explains, adding that fair goers can bring a t-shirt or cloth bag to the Hatchery to have it imprinted with a Garapata.
Get started on your art collection
Serious art collectors all flock to Art in the Park to score a steal, but it’s a fantastic venue to start building on your own newbie collection. Small paintings, signed prints, miniature sculptures, and pottery vessels by noted artists can all find a space in your own home—and most of these pieces are about four figures in price or less. It could take a while to tour all the galleries (there are 56 booths!) and a lot of pieces sell fast, so if you find an artwork that you like, snap it up at once.
Buy student art
“We’re hoping to have more interactive activities in the future like the workshops we had at the [recent] Art Fair, such as the pottery making workshop of Rita Gudiño,” says Periquet. “It would be nice to have it, as most of those who go to the park are looking for things to do for their kids.”
Art in the Park is also a good venue to support art students by buying their works, as there a number of premier art schools such as Far Eastern University, University of the Philippines, and Technological University of the Philippines.
Have some burgers and paella—with wine
There are some visitors who simply go to the fair just to eat and drink, and who could blame them? This year, there are about 22 food and beverage booths that will open at the park, including popular fair staples like 8Cuts Burgers, La Esquina Tapas, Yuan’s Paella, House of Curry, and Picole popsicles (perfect for the kids or if you’re shopping in the afternoon!).
Afterwards, wash it all down with lemonade or drinks from Straits Wine, Don Papa Rum, and Ironballs Cocktails.
Art in the Park 2020 is, at its heart, a fundraising project that will donate a portion of its sales to the Museum Foundation of the Philippines (MFPI) to support its programs for the National Museum. — LA, GMA News
Art in the Park. March 15, Sunday, 10am - 10pm. Jaime Velasquez Park, Salcedo Village, Makati City. Website. Facebook. Instagram
