Art for arts’ sake! A portal to “universe of paintings” is two hours away from the regional center of Cagayan Valley, a thriving organization that transcends the need for art exposure in the region.
Little do we know that Michael Waf Castillo, founder of Isabela Artist Circle (ISAC) has already been taking the lead himself together with some art enthusiasts to bring forth the appreciation of art especially in the form of paintings here in Region 2. His endeavor to go way beyond the limit of art is enticingly admirable.
ISAC is a group of artists who started in Cauayan City. Today, the organization has expanded in to three chapters in Isabela including, Ilagan and Echague.
Supported by Isabela 3rd district representative Faustino “Ino” Dy, Michael organized the first art festival in the region at Cauayan City, and it was more than successful. Due of the kind of leadership Castillo has, the organization continuously grew and advanced not only in Isabela but also in nearby provinces. Fortunately, supports coming from different stakeholders rushed in and more members registered and signed up to support the organization.
ISAC goes National
Last October, ISAC went national to showcase the talents of their artists. ISAC held the 1st ever Panagyaman National Art Festival featuring various paintings and sculptures. One of the judges came from California named Jessie Marinas, a hall of famer muralist in California, United States of America.
The impact of the 1st Panagyaman National Art Festival or their Pasasalamat to their fellow Isabelino artists was a blast when various sponsors came in. “This activity will be done annually from now on to continue to show to the community and help our fellow artists to have opportunities”, Castillo said.
Towards for more love and appreciation, he wants to change the game. Castillo intends to have maximum collaboration with artists from nearby provinces to uphold art appreciation and the like of him.
This December 18, 2019 to January 6, 2020 a new milestone enriches the organization as it holds its first National Art Exhibit for a cause.
The paintings, sculptures and other art products ranges from 15,000Php to 130,000Php. According to Castillo, 10 percent of the share will be given for an outreach program of the organization to local indigenous people of Palanan, Isabela.
“I had a dream and I now have it.”, this was Castillo’s emotional words to inspire artists who wants to join ISAC.
