Art in the Park and Art After Dark

Art in the Park . . . and After Dark

On June 28, to coincide with the Salcedo Market’s fourth anniversary, a section of Velasquez Park once again transforms into an outdoor art gallery for the fifth edition of Art in the Park.

From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., in this relaxed and informal, open-air venue just paces away from the bustle of the market, art lovers, enthusiasts, and collectors can wander the tents and browse artworks at leisure, perhaps, even, find a gem of a bargain or two. For these works—paintings, prints, photographs, sculpture—will all have prices pegged at P20,000 and below, in keeping with Art in the Park’s intent, that art be made accessible and affordable to as many people as possible.

Following this concept of art fairs abroad, and wanting to capture their casual and convivial feel, the Museum Foundation of the Philippines organized the first Art in the Park on June 2006.

Now a bi-annual event (held every June and November), Art in the Park features a mix of established and emerging artists, art galleries, and art groups, ensuring a diverse range of interesting and unique pieces.

In a different take on this year’s anniversary celebration, an evening art fair has been planned, as well—where Art in the Park metamorphoses into Art After Dark.

Beneath the warm glow of lanterns hung on trees, and in an atmosphere made mellow with jazz music from saxophonist Vince Lahorra, visitors can pop into any one of six “art spaces,” and interact with, or handle, the pieces on display—wield the cold, weighty steel of a sculpture, or sweep a hand over the smooth, fine finish of a chair—as well as discover more treasures in the assortment of paintings, photographs, and prints.

Right outside the “art spaces,” cocktail tables will also be set up, while Terry’s will be providing a cash drinks and tapas bar, inviting visitors to linger awhile and admire the art, with a plate of tapas or a glass of wine in hand. This first-ever, evening art fair, to be held from 5:00 to 10:00 p.m

Proceeds from Art in the Park and Art After Dark will go towards supporting the projects of the Museum Foundation of the Philippines and the National Museum.

For more information on Art in the Park and Art After Dark, contact Patricia Limon or Elvie Magpayo at 404-2685, or send an e-mail to info@museumfoundati onph.org. Office hours are from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Tuesdays to Fridays; and from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturdays.