For artists, the roads led to Erehwon; for the late Behn Cervantes, years ago, he got lost every time he went to Erehwon. This time, the art center has claimed its place very clearly.
It is now here!
True to its mission of being a people’s art center where artists of whatever persuasions are welcome to come together, collaborate and enjoy the company of one another, the Erehwon Art Foundation held the inaugural meeting of the Erehwon Art Policy Council.
Heading the attendees were author and playright Bonifacio Ilagan of the Tag-Ani Performing Arts Society, Almira Astudillo Gilles of the Chicago Field Museum and the American Museum of Philippine Arts Foundation, well-known sculptor Jose Al Giroy, as well as renowned artists Grandier Bella and Emmanuel Nim. Also represented were partner organizations under the Art Council, which are film producer Film Dogs, the Fides Cuyugan Asensio Institute of Music and Arts (FCAIMA), the vocal ensemble PASIPO, the music makers of the Erehwon Jazz Orchestra and the ErehwonRondalla, and the Erehwon Dance Company. Not present at this meeting but part of the council is MUSIKA, a group of various composers, singers, and musicians headed by Heber Bartolome.
Erehwon founder Rafael Benitez discussed the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, but at the same time, he believed it simply meant pursuing the development of artistic pursuits through new digital media such as film, leading to Erehwon’s launch of its newest undertaking, “films.com,” with its inaugural short film, “Rizal and the Secret of the Light,” open for public viewing through Erehwon’s Facebook and YouTube. As Boni Ilagan strongly stated,”Let not this pandemic stop the fruition of art and cultural performances.”
The event also marked the unveiling of a memorial plaque in honor of the late Behn Cervantes the words that would give life to what the Erehwon Art Center has become — an artists’ haven, where artists are welcome to converge, collaborate and enjoy the camaraderie of being with one another.
Indeed, the affordable converging area is now The Roofdeck, at the topmost, fourth-floor open area of the Erehwon Art Center building, where amidst the intriguing floor mural of Leeroy New, Art Council members can enjoy their first free beer, jam with a videoke or perform their own musical numbers, grill their choice of pulutan, and otherwise enjoy to their hearts content every Friday, while following all health protocols.
For more information, contact Rafael Benitez at 0917-551-1953 at Erehwon Artworld Corporation located at No. 1 Don Francisco Street, Villa Beatriz Subdivision, Old Balara, Quezon City.
