136 Bicol artists unite for 'Art for Everyone' exhibit

LEGAZPI CITY — More than 130 visual artists from across the Bicol Region are showcasing over 260 artworks in this year’s “Art for Everyone 2026” exhibit at SM City Legazpi.

The event provides a venue for local artists to market their works while encouraging aspiring creative persons to pursue the arts.

The two-week exhibit runs until July 30 and features 136 artists from Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate and Sorsogon.

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Organized by Sining Bicol as part of SM’s annual “Art for Everyone” program, the event aims to bring visual arts closer to the public while allowing local artists to display their works.

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Sining Bicol President and exhibit organizer Vicky Balunso said the show reflects the organization’s campaign to bring together artists from across the region, regardless of experience.

“Our advocacy is to unite artists across the Bicol Region. Seeing professional and beginner artists gathered in one venue is very fulfilling because it shows that our artistic community continues to grow,” she said in an interview.

“Keep creating. Mistakes are part of learning. Be patient. Stay focused on your passion, and continue developing your own artistic style,” she advised the beginners.

Balunso also encouraged the public to support local artists, saying original artworks remain valuable despite the increasing use of artificial intelligence in art and design.

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Iriga City artist Frederick Arcilla, 58, said the occasion allows artists to share their talents and the messages behind their paintings to a wider audience.

“This allows us to showcase our talent, our style of painting, and express what we want to convey through our artworks,” he said.

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Legazpi City-based artist Djoanna “Deejai” Tanji said the exhibit provides a very good forum for aspiring artists who want to get to know the local art scene.

“It is a welcoming venue for beginners who want to explore the art scene,” she noted.

“For those of us who have been painting for years, it is also an opportunity to showcase our work and inspire others to pursue their creativity,” she added.

“Being an artist is not just about creating inside your studio. It is about engaging with the community and sharing your gift with others,” she explained.

“Art is not only for ourselves. It is meant to inspire and serve everyone,” she emphasized. /apl

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(With a report from Ella Mariz Mina / PNA)