By Ray Chen S. Bahinting and Jameela I. Mendoza
The Silliman University Fine Arts Department hosted “Bentabols,” an exhibit that opened last Nov. 27 to feature and sell artworks.
The art sale featured artists of all levels from Negros Oriental and Siquijor. The 30 percent from each purchase will be used for the maintenance of the “art spaces” or places where art pieces are located in Silliman Hall.
Prior to the event, the Fine Arts Department invited all artists who wanted to sell their work and support their goal.
“We got students, practicing artists, teachers, different folks coming in,” said W Don Flores, a faculty member at the Fine Arts Department.
Flores also said that Bentabols tries to appreciate the value of art in Dumaguete, a city considered as a “place for art.”
“[Dumaguete City] doesn’t have a dedicated art space. Maybe the [second floor of Silliman Hall] is the first to do that,” Flores said.
Meanwhile, Irma Lacorte, also a faculty member from the Fine Arts Department, said that Bentabols aims to showcase the work of the artists while exposing the viewers to art.
“It is better if everyone is exposed to art. It’s the reason why we teach FA 51, which is art appreciation. Everybody has to learn or at least understand and appreciate art,” said Lacorte.
Aside from drawings and paintings, Bentabols also featured on-sale Lumago products, handcrafted goods like jewelry made by Dumagueteñas using recycled materials.
“[Making Lumago products] is an alternative way for them to make money, so we actually give them more than the minimum wage here in Dumaguete,” said Becky Stanbridge, the manager of Lumago.
Bentabols will be open until Jan. 8.
