By Cyrus A. Natividad

The ongoing CenVAS Summer Art Workshop at Robinsons Place Jaro.

The Centralian Visual Artists Society (CenVAS) Summer Art Workshop entitled ArtPack at the Robinsons Place Jaro, Iloilo City has been extended. Realizing that the workshop has created an impact on the need for alternative learning, the Robinsons mall management has allowed CPU CenVAS to extend the workshop.

Although Covid-19 mostly contributed to the depreciation of the normal way of life, the Summer Art Workshop continues to provide individuals and children a venue to appreciate art. Robinsons Place and CenVAS agreed that one of the objectives of the Summer Art Workshop at the mall is to allow participants to heal their vision; taking off their eyes from the constant strain of spending time with cellphones and computers.

“Participants have the opportunity to develop or revive their talent in painting or sketching”, according to one of the organizers and founding member of the CenVAS, Efraim G. Alfaras (CPU Employee). He said that, “This is the longest art workshop sponsored by Robinsons Place.”

The Summer Art Workshop provides assistance and training to poor but deserving students and talented out-of-school youths. One the beneficiaries of the workshop is 18-year old Ezra Nhiez G. Balano, who is now enrolled in CPU Grade 12 S.T.E.M.

One of her works of art on exhibit at the workshop is a customized painted pair of shoes (inspired by a new fashion trend), of which she said have been uploaded on different social media platforms. The business inclined young artist said that, “My designs are based on customer request. It can be minimalist, cartoon, anime or others. Any type of shoes – leather or canvas is okey.” Balano was invited by Alfaras to be one of the Assistant Art Instructors.

CenVAS is an art organization under the Cultural Affairs Offices headed by Mrs. Crista S. Huyong.