"1st Ateneo Kiddie Art Exhibit"
Sun.Star Davao, April 12, 2008

Recently, several Ateneo de Davao Grade School students staged their first-ever kiddie art exhibit at the Ateneo Matina Campus’ Colonade Area.

The exhibit showcased the artworks of the talented kids which were done in different mediums - pencil, pastels and acrylic paints.

There were eleven exhibitors from different grade levels, namely: Dave Lawrence Juntilla, Anne Eiko Gizelle Lumbayon, Jezka Roxel Ratilla, Mikhaela Joey Espinosa, Raphael Luis Salise, Sam Anthony Salise, Diane Therese Aquino, Mar Joseph Soriano, Carl Joel Abiador, Jessica Lanoza and Jose Emmanuelle Martinez.

Art teacher Mary Ann Tan-Guinoo who is a Fine Arts graduate from the College of the Holy Spirit Manila taught the young students techniques in pencil drawing and shading as well as basic color mixing and different color schemes.

Moreover, the eager artists learned to put up art pieces using pastels and acrylic paints.

The basic art skills included still life drawing and painting, landscape drawing and painting and composition making. They also did self portraits using collage technique and sculpture.

In addition, Teacher Mary Ann introduced art games, t-shirt painting and comic strip making. She believes that these enjoyable activities are important for long periods of art class.

Teacher Mary Ann used to teach art workshops only during summer but upon the invitation of Mrs. Suzette Alino, Ateneo Grade School Headmaster, she accepted the special art class for the Ateneo grade schoolers which began in August 2007 and ended last March 2008.

Cutting the ribbon for the art exhibit was guest of honor Atty. Melissa Suarez together with Mrs. Cely Lumo, Ateneo Grade School Assistant Headmaster for Administration.

On the other hand, Mrs. Anne Rose Villarba, Makabayan Department Head, delivered the welcome remarks.

This was followed by the inspirational message of Atty. Suarez who emphasized that “a person doesn’t have to be a full-time artist to do artwork”. In fact, she states that “one can practise their respective professions as well as dabble in painting, singing or dancing”.

She ended her speech by saying that “Our profession provides food for the table while our artwork is food for the soul”.

We share to you photos taken by Miles Guinoo.

E-mail the author at mom.about.town.dvo@gmail.com. Visit www.mom-about-town.blogspot.com.