ART HUB. Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. (right) with (from left) city accountant Delilah Fernandez, the mayor’s wife Mariel Escalante, and visionary artist Tom Alvarado at the recently-opened Balay Cadiznon, also known as the “House of Paintings” in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental. Some 70 paintings are now displayed inside the art center. (Photo courtesy of Cadiz city government)
BACOLOD CITY – The City of Cadiz in northern Negros Occidental has established the Balay Cadiznon, also known as the “House of Paintings”, showcasing the works of homegrown visual artists to highlight the observance of the National Arts Month this February.
Located in the compound of the Philippine Normal University-Visayas, the art hub, which was unveiled on Feb. 19, now displays 70 artworks painted by various Negrense artists.
In a statement on Thursday, Mayor Salvador Escalante Jr. reaffirmed his commitment to supporting and nurturing the local artists and promoting cultural growth and artistic excellence.
“This is a ‘taliambong’ center (art center) that we could be proud of. The paintings serve as a tourist attraction and become a library for real stories about the artist’ experiences and perspectives,” he said.
Escalante said Balay Cadiznon was originally designed to be just an alternative venue for small events, but he realized that the area was too bare and decided to decorate the walls with paintings owned by the city government.
To make it more attractive, the mayor decided to display more artworks, turning the place into the “House of Paintings”.
After the art center's opening, visionary artist Tom Alvarado conducted a workshop for senior and junior high school students, who also expressed their talent and creativity during the facade painting competition.
“Beyond the Arts Month, the ‘House of Paintings’ would create (a) significant human experience for visitors who will come and see the artworks,” Escalante said. (PNA)
