MAKATI, Philippines—Jaime Velasquez Park in Salcedo Village, Makati, was abuzz again today, not because of the weekly markets held but because of the much-anticipated “Art in the Park”. Every year for the past nine years, the park transforms an open-air art hub for art lovers and Makati residents to enjoy. Now approaching a decade of lively art exchange, the art fair this year brought together an assortment of 60 art galleries as well as independent art and student groups, the big names side-by-side with the lesser known or soon-to-be known.
In the relaxed and welcoming atmosphere of the park, art lovers and enthusiasts, collectors and just the plain curious wandered the grounds, peek into any one of the tents, or linger and leisurely browse the trove of artwork on offer. With an array of paintings, prints, and photographs, pottery and sculpture to choose from, “Art in the Park” has appealed to a variety of tastes and allowed for a little bit of something for everyone.
In previous editions of Art In The Park, visitors reveled to the discovery of a singular find or stumbled into that elusive, perfect piece. Many have also been beguiled by the novel, the different, the unique. Art In The Park is really for everyone as prices are capped at no higher than P40,000. This is in keeping with “Art in the Park’s” aim to make art affordable and accessible to all, providing even the budget-conscious the chance to own beautiful, engaging pieces from both established and emerging artists.
In keeping the art fair dynamic and fresh, Art in the Park introduced, for the first time and for this year’s edition, an online auction of two drawings by renowned artist Danny Dalena.
In between exploring the art, people took a pause and popped into any one of the 11 food and drinks outlets situated around the park for a small bite or a hearty meal, a chilled glass of white or a frosty bottle of San Miguel beer, with the mellow strains of the Soulful Mood trio and the graceful notes of Vince Lahorra’s saxophone in the background. Really a great time to meet the artists and gallery owners, catch up with friends (or make new ones), gather the family and bond over food and drink and art.
Art in the Park is a project of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines and Philippine Art Events, Inc., in cooperation with Barangay Bel-Air, Makati Commercial Estate Association, Bank of the Philippine Islands, and Smart Communications.
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