ILOILO City – Artisans from Iloilo and Guimaras are receiving aid from a group of artists in Iloilo City to add value to their crafts rather than relying on their usual production, with a grant from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).
“Simpon” is a project that merges crafts produced by potters in Barangay Cagbang, Miagao town in Iloilo province, and weavers in Barangay Sapal in San Lorenzo town, Guimaras province.
It is being implemented by the Himbon Contemporary Artists Group, an art movement dedicated to helping artists grow and pursue their passion.
Himbon vice president Vic Fario said with the P300,000 grant from the NCCA, they aim to help the artists innovate, enhance their designs, and increase the value of their works.
“We focus on remote areas to also give them an opportunity since they are left behind,” he said.
In Miagao, they observed potters working on their crafts, like traditional earthenware stoves, jars, and pots, among others.
“Since our expertise is more in designing, we also shared our ideas. In our output, we showed them that out of the same amount of material they use, they can also come up with sculptures, not just jars and pots. They can still level up,” Fario said.
The artists’ group also observed weavers in Guimaras, suggested colors and designs, and later incorporated them with the sculptures crafted by Miagao potters.
“For example, we donned the clay sculpture with the dress woven by the weavers,” he said.
He said that looking at the results, the artisans have gained ideas that they can hopefully apply to their future projects.
“Our (aim) is to inspire them. We encourage them to explore a wider market. We encourage them to evolve their design,” Fario said.
The project started three months ago and culminated with exhibits at the Iloilo Esplanade on Nov. 25 to 27 and at SM City Iloilo starting Tuesday until Dec. 5.
The exhibit also displays the usual crafts of potters and weavers, allowing them to sell and earn during the exhibits. (PNA)/PN
