Priceless artworks await UIC Scholarship Foundation supporters

by : Mary Jane Barluado

Can P500 buy a rare artwork masterpiece? The scholarship fund drive dubbed Seventeen Artworks to College: An Art Today, a Treasure Tomorrow might just make it happen. The campaign features priceless artworks at stake for donors by receiving a raffle ticket for every P500 donation to the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC) Scholarship Foundation.

The artistic fundraising is made possible by globally acclaimed Filipino artists’ donations of some of their finest creations to the Foundation. With gallery price up to P180,000 each, foremost in the list is the Sarimanok Series (acrylic on canvass) recognized worldwide as originally Filipino and created by multi-awarded National Artist Abdulmari Imao. Equally prominent is Crucifix (carving on wood) by his own gene Juan Sajid Imao, whose hand genius crafted the statues of Andres Bonifacio, Lapu Lapu and other national heroes gracing landmarks like the Bonifacio Global City and Rizal Parks in Manila, Cebu and Davao Cities, to name a few.

Also up for grabs is Locked In Embrace (carving on glass) by Arch. Ramon Orlina, whose reputation as the world’s first glass carver using improvised tools, earned him patrons from all over Asia, Europe and the US. And many would wish to win The Three Girls (watercolor on paper) by award-winning impressionist painter Jun Martinez, whose works commonly adorn covers and spreads of art books and magazines.

Would surely give character to any room is the wood carving Buntis by contemporary artist Agi Pagkatipunan who is known as ‘furniture designer for the stars’. Likewise, thematic women strength, freedom and sensuality come alive in the donated artworks of modern artists Lydia Velasco (Two Women, acrylic on canvass), Manuel Unidad (Girl, pastel on paper), Deo Viloria (Tres Marias Vendor, oil on canvass), Noel Mahilum (Lady, acrylic on canvass), Jonahmar Salvosa (Aruga, pastel on paper), Ferdinand Cacnio (Dancer in Fuschia, acrylic on paper), Ferdinand Anore (Side by Side, acrylic on canvass), and Emet Valiente (Mother & Child).

Nature specialists and siblings Herzon and Rhea dela Rosa hued up the Foundation with their vivid and intricate paintings Trees: Advent and Flower: 3 Sunflowers, respectively. More, fans of Arnel Pineda, lead vocalist of quintessential band Journey, had better win Marquez’s Rock (oil on canvass) which captures the singer in action. Last but not least, veteran art exhibitor Reynaldo Punelas donated the surreal Man in Maroon (acrylic on canvass) which depicts a transcendental Passion of Christ.

Co-organized by Mrs. Rhodora B. Nograles of RBN Scholarship, the campaign is a sequel to the first UIC Scholarship Foundation – RBN Scholarship fundraising partnership with invaluable artworks raffled for donors. The proceeds will be used to expand the Foundation’s beneficiaries to include not only college but also high school students.

Drawing of winners will be held at UIC Main Campus Auditorium on two occasions: June 16, 2014, the death anniversary of M. Ma Assumpta David, RVM who established the Foundation; and December 8, 2014, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception and UIC Alumni Homecoming. Inquiries regarding donation procedures and the artworks may be directed to Cherry (082) 2218090 loc. 130 or Joy (082) 2242950 in Davao, or Jennifer (02) 9329511 or Divine (02) 9316523 in Manila; or emailed to fpcn1@info.com.ph or info@uic.edu.ph.

As in the past, the fundraising counts on generous education advocates who do not regard increasing their antes to mean bigger chances on the mentioned artworks, but see real victory in having more students afforded with UIC scholarships. With a mission to provide quality Christian education to deserving but financially challenged students, the UIC Scholarship Foundation has produced 136 college graduates to date, and many scholars are currently enrolled in various degrees in the university.

Other scholarships offered by UIC are the Academic Scholarship (for Valedictorian/ Salutatorian graduates), IMMACULATUS, The Collegiate Immaculate, Information Technology Program, and Student Assistance Grant Program (SAGP) Scholarships.