Fresh off the heels of the successful Art Fair Philippines, another art event is set to excite collectors, patrons, and supporters. This time it’s Art in the Park, an affordable and outdoor art fair set in the Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati on April 2, 2017.
Art in the Park has always had a special place in my heart. I first wrote about Art in the Park in 2012, a few months after I started writing for the Philippine Star. The following year, I met the guy I dated for a while. We were introduced by a friend, and we got to know each other over wine and cheese. The same night, we ran into each other at a record launch in Kapitolyo. The next year, I had my first date with my then-boyfriend, after we became a couple that morning.
A lot of things have changed with me through the years I’ve been going to Art in the Park, but a lot has also remained the same. Similarly, Art in the Park has evolved to feature 57 galleries, independent art spaces, and student groups (some of them first-time participants), all selling beautiful artworks done by talented Filipino artists. In the spirit of affordability, the artworks have a price cap of P50,000, but many of the works are priced much lower than that.
Art in the Park is putting the money to good use. Since its inception in 2006, the fair has been a fundraising event where a portion of all sales is donated to the Museum Foundation of the Philippines, which supports the projects and programs for the National Museum of the Philippines and its network. And now that door charges in the museums have been waived, they need all the support they can get.
Of course, you don’t need to buy to enjoy Art in the Park. You can just walk around to enjoy the casual atmosphere and explore the local art scene.
Each year, the fair features special exhibits and commissioned or chosen works by the organizers. This year, Art in the Park partnered with Secret Fresh for resin versions of the bird in the fair’s logo, which artists customized in their own style. The limited-edition birds will be up for sale at the Museum Foundation of the Philippines booth. There will also be postcards and other collaterals featuring Mark Justiniani’s Kumpas.
Another highlight is Bag in a Boat, a 14-foot long installation by UP College of Fine Arts graduate Carzen Esprela. This thesis piece composed of found objects and Epoxy features a boat with arms slotted onto the sides where oars should be, and a headless figure at the stern.
All of this can be enjoyed with the great company (I always bump into my online friends here), and stellar food and drinks. One of my favorites is Bale Dutung’s bagnet sandwich. I wish they would still be there this Sunday. Capping off this fun affair is jazz and blues music from Brat Pack.
To make sure that everyone is Instagram and selfie ready, Globe Platinum will set up a charging station and free wi-fi across the venue. There will also be a showcase of Globe Platinum’s new products. For more information about Platinum, visit http://platinum.globe.com.ph/.
Something always interesting happens at Art in the Park. Perhaps it’s the lazy pace of Sunday that makes everything look like a Sofia Coppola movie. Or maybe it’s being surrounded by so much art that it can induce a case of Stendahl Syndrome. In any case, it’s one of the most exciting and romantic evenings. Art…. in a park. Who would have thought?
Art in the Park is open from 10AM to 10PM. It is organized by Philippine Art Events, Inc. for the benefit of the Museum Foundation of The Philippines, with support from Brgy. Bel-Air, MACEA, Alveo, Bank of The Philippine Islands, and Globe Platinum. Wooden panels courtesy of Art Edge. For more information, visit www.artinthepark.ph or www.facebook/artinthepark.