The Bicol Artist Tribe, the Mixed Media Club of Naga, and the Solidarity Art Collective have launched the “Arte Flora” event, a celebration of art and nature. The event, which is part of a series of four scheduled cultural gatherings, aims to bring the community closer to the artistic world by showcasing plants and creativity from local artists.
The event, which kicked off on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, is in collaboration with the City Events, Protocol and Public Information Office (CEPPIO), Naga City Culture and the Arts (NCCA), and the City Government of Naga. It focuses on the fusion of art and nature, coinciding with the blooming season of plants. This theme aligns with the transition of the season, as many of the artworks feature its vibrancy and life.
According to Carlo Patac, the Project Coordinator for the Bicol Artist Tribe and the Mixed Media Club of Naga, the aim of the event is to engage the public in a meaningful way. “We try to time our events with the season and the themes of the artworks. By doing this in public spaces like parks, we can reach a larger audience and connect more deeply with the people. It follows the idea of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA): lahat ng espasyo ay tanghalan,” Patac explained.
Richard Perez, an independent artist and participant in Arte Flora, shared his thoughts on the significance of the event for local artists. “What really helps artists are events like these exhibits. These exhibits allow our works to be exposed and for people to recognize our artistic style. And once our style is recognized, we can develop an identity. Our art’s identity becomes acknowledged,” he said.
Perez, who specializes in thread art combined with acrylic painting, has been active in the art scene since 2008 and has participated in around 60 group shows in Bicol.
Arte Flora is just the first of four events that are scheduled to take place from April 1 to May 15. The upcoming events include “Panata,” a religious-themed art exhibition set for Holy Week, followed by the “Vibrance Festival of Life and Colors,” a partnership with the AMA Artist Group for Easter Sunday. The final event, “Lipunan 101: A Visual Commentary,” will focus on the political season, coinciding with the upcoming elections and showcasing more serious art pieces that will be presented by the Bicol Artist Tribe (BAT) members.
The Arte Flora exhibit features over 21 participating groups and stores, alongside at least 10 independent artists. The number of artworks is expected to grow to around 40, with new pieces being added throughout the duration of the event. All artworks showcased are created by local Naga artists, with members of various local groups like Salingoy, Kintab, and AMA contributing to the event.
Written by Katelyn Ann Munda, Samantha Nicole Bernardo and Aaliyah Nicole Ablero (CEPPIO, Interns). Photo taken by Emman Cleofe (CEPPIO).
