Sena, father of the art workshop, leads group exhibit at ARTablado

In the four years since it was established, Robinsons Land ARTablado at Robinsons Galleria has grown and strengthened its reputation for being a platform for emerging and established Filipino artists. Dozens of paintings, sculptures and even woven art have been displayed on its walls.

ARTablado’s high-traffic location in the popular Ortigas mall attracts both the art lover and the casual visitor. For Arts Month this year, the gallery is featuring 50 paintings created by 25 members of the Dynamic Art Group led by Esther Garcia. Fernando Sena, considered by many as the Father of the Art Workshop because of his passion for art education, is one of its core members.

The members of the Dynamic Art Group are composed of established and seasoned artists as well as aspiring and young artists who are determined to continuously improve their art. 

The Dynamic Art Group chose the theme, “Cross the Line” because of its connotations such as going beyond the normal since artists should be courageous when it comes to creating. 

They believe artists should grow with the times and avoid becoming copycats. Their aim is to create based on what they feel, see and imagine. Crossing the line also means freedom. The members are free to join other art groups, participate in shows in other galleries with other groups.

The group said that crossing the line also means having the freedom to speak out but that members should respect one another: no bragging, no bullying, no slander.

The group previously staged an exhibit entitled “The Art of Manila Bay Rehab,” which documented the bay and its surrounding areas. For their efforts, the Manila Bay-ani Award—an international recognition given by environmentalist groups from Madrid, Normandy, Washington DC, Singapore and the Philippines—was bestowed on Esther Garcia and the Dynamic Art Group for portraying the beauty of Manila Bay. 

They have also held exhibits to commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that benefited the educational needs of children of fallen soldiers, and another one in cooperation with the Voice of the Free foundation for the benefit of abused women. 

Aside from regular communication, the Dynamic Art Group keep tabs on one another through group activities including on-the-spot painting events and lectures on skills improvement. 

Fernando Sena playfully described the ongoing exhibit as a feast for the senses. “If I likened it to a restaurant, it would be one offering an eat-all-you-can buffet. Here at the ‘Cross the Line’ exhibit, you can see all you can and admire all you can,” he said.

Aside from Sena and Garcia, the 23 other participating artists are Jun Rocha, Bing Siochi, Al Perez, Darryl Ajero, Harry Torres, Vic Bachoco, Rick De Villa, Venancio Cabisada Jr., Ely Tablizo, Yolanda Batara, Dan David Garcia, Emmanuel Salva, Rara Carillo, Wendy Rondaris, Charlie Carabella, Chona David, Sally Ocampo Paja, Marilou Viado, Baby Grace Palma, Charina Biteng, Fritz Marcos Flores, Kim Bojanding, and Joyce Maimban. 

As a father figure of the group and as the Father of Art Workshops, Sena had this to say to young artists. “Keep on painting. The more you paint, the more you learn to love your art. Love God.”

The “Cross the Line” exhibit runs until end of February at ARTablado, Level 3, Robinsons Galleria.