Leap Of Faith

CEBU, Philippines - Five of Cebu's  women visual  artists joined  together last  29 to launch “Leap of Faith”, an art exhibit now open at the Canvas Restaurant, second level of the Terraces in Ayala Center Cebu.

“Leap of Faith” takes inspiration from the passages of the Bible as the Christian community celebrates the Lenten season and also to celebrate the giftedness of women artists in commemoration of the International Women's Month. Five women artists of Cebu believe that life is a leap of faith. The participating artists are: Arlene Villaver, Gigi Ocampo, Betsy Alterado, Marivel Galan and Palmy Pe- Tudtud. These artists juggle different roles everyday but share the same passion for painting. They all admit that, like them, a lot of women today struggle to meet the demands of being a wife, mother and provider. These difficult feats deplete a woman's strength unless her faith is stable enough to keep her steadfast.

For the exhibiting artists, their gift of creative expression has become a solace of strength and comfort. And knowing that this comes from the Lord, the passion to create and share to others especially to women is even greater. The paintings in the exhibit done in oil, acrylic and mixed media are meant to inspire and encourage introspection. And hopefully, the experience will remind the viewer of his ultimate purpose in life.

Arlene Villaver's paintings are expressions of faith in the Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ. In her 30 years of painting, she had 12 solo exhibits and over a hundred group exhibits here and abroad. In 1994, she became a recipient of the Cultural Center of the Philippines' 13 Artists Award. After finishing her Bachelor in Fine Arts degree at UP Cebu, she made Manila her base for 23 years but she has now returned to Cebu City since 2008.

 Gigi Ocampo is a prolific artist who is best known by her colleagues as one who truly excels in drawing. She acquired her formal training in painting at the University of San Carlos and has been joining several group exhibits and is currently a member of Pintuk and Nueves art organizations.

Betsy Alterado graduated from UP Cebu and has continued to share her gift of art and creativity in painting, also in costume jewelry and home accessories. Many times, she has experienced God's grace in different places especially when she meets people and takes advantage of this privilege to share God's love and testify to His goodness.

 Marivel Galan is a self-taught artist, wife and mother who believes that God- given talents must be developed and shared to give glory to the Giver.

 Palmy Pe-Tudtud's formal training began at the Philippine High School for the Arts where she majored in Visual Arts. She took up Fine Arts major in Painting at UP Cebu. She worked in the hotel industry for 12 years but in 2002 she decided to go back to painting and got more involved in cultural work. Palmy is the former National Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Visual Arts of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and was a finalist of the Philippine Art Awards in 2007. She is currently a lecturer in the Fine Arts program of UP Cebu and a member of Pusod, Inc.

 The launching that was held last February 29 was participated by the following guests of honor: Mrs. Josephine del Mar- Abueva, art patron who is an alumna of St. Theresa's College and the current president of the Young Ladies Association for Charity (YLAC); Ms. Alexis Jane Gaisano, granddaughter of art patron Stephen Gaisano Sr.; Mrs. Lollete Oliva-Alipe, corporate management consultant and professional trainer; and Ms. Marlinda Angbetic-Tan, Executive Lifestyle Editor of The FREEMAN.

 The artworks in the “Leap of Faith” exhibit may be purchased by interested art collectors and friends. For details, please visit the Canvas Restaurant, 2nd level at The Terraces in Ayala Center Cebu and coordinate with Ms. Eya Shrimski or call 417-1978.