The De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde School of Design and Arts (DLS-CSB SDA) opens its doors to the public for its annual Student Art Open House. The theme this year is “Katutubo: Interpretations and Reinterpretations of Indigenous Philippine Cultures.” Student exhibits are on display from the fifth floor to the 14th floor of the SDA campus in Malate, Manila. Curating is eminent Benilde artist and faculty member Noel Farol.

Majority of the exhibits are from the classes of visual artist-teachers of Foundation Studies department that hosts the open house. They include R. M. de Leon, Benjie Torrado Cabrera, Noel EL Farol, Tess Quadra, Jason Moss, Vincent Padilla, Abe Orobia, Kaloy Olavides, Emil Santos, Hershey Malinis, Ming Ong Moya, Marcus Nada, Gari Apolonio, Carlito Camahalan Amalla, Tim Dacanay, Fredyl Hernandez, Bia Macasaet, Lara Rosario and Angelica Viceral.

“Katutubo” events include the launch show featuring choreography by Tinnie Crame and Bunga Arts Link on 17 July at the ground floor, SDA Lobby and 12th floor, SDA Cafeteria. Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino (Kontra-Gapi) led by Edru Abraham had a back-to-back workshop and concert at the sixth floor, A605 Dance Studio and SDA Cafeteria on 18 July. “Kontemporaryong Katutubo” Artist Talks by Carlito Amalla (“Katutubong Sayaw”), Gari Apolonio (“Pinoy Komiks”) and professor emerita Norma Respicio (“Katutubong Hibla”) were presented at the fith floor, SDA Theater on July 19. Benilde alumnus and ceramics artist, Joey De Castro, will conduct the “Seramika” Workshop at the 14th floor, SDA A1406 studio on 25 July 2:30 p.m.; and the “Gawad Kagalingan” closing and awarding ceremony at the SDA Cafeteria on 3, 4 August p.m.

Also collaborating are other Benilde SDA programs: the Fashion Design and Merchandising program classes of Olivia Lopez, Virmila Alvarez, and Lydia Pajaron; and the Photography program class of Jay Javier. Showing thematic exhibits are Architecture, Animation and Digital Film programs. Students of Benilde School of Deaf Education and Applied Studies will also be taught basic printmaking by faculty printmakers, Benjie Cabrera and Hershey Malinis, at the new printmaking facility of the Benilde SDA Foundation Studies studios.

“Katutubo” exhibits run from 17 July to 4 August. The Benilde School of Design and Arts (SDA) campus is located in 950 Pablo Ocampo St., Malate, Manila. “Katutubo” is held under the auspices of the Benilde Arts and Culture Cluster (BACC) helmed by associate dean Dr. Sunita Mukhi. For inquiries, call Rachiel Villarosa of BACC office at telephone number (02) 230-5100 loc. 3813.