Cultural diplomacy reached another milestone when twelve young Filipino artists together with their parents and friends showcased their talents and creativity through an art exhibition entitled “What is Art” held at the Farsite Gallery on 22 February 2013. Ms. Jojo Garcia Jowett, a leading Filipino artist in New Zealand closely collaborated with Ms. Catherine Greene, Manager of the Farsite Gallery to feature sixty-nine art works of Gabrielle Cabauatan, Angelo Cabauatan, Elycah Bateman, Luigi Miguel Ibanez, Katelyn Diane Luey, Imelda Luey, Ellen Millar, Irene Noval, Edith Pangan, Francis Pangan and Celina Pangan.

Philippine Ambassador Virginia H. Benavidez and His Worship Rey Wallace and Mayoress Linda Wallace opened the exhibition attended by several members of the Filipino community and friends from New Zealand. In her remarks, Ambassador Benavidez thanked Mayor and Mayoress Wallace for gracing the occasion and commended Ms. Jowett and for mounting this first ever visual arts exhibition for Filipino young artists. “For these talented artists, the world is in their canvass and their art forms are limitless. The Philippine Embassy is truly blessed to have them as our vital, vibrant and vivid partners in projecting the creativity of our people and the exhibition will show that artistry are natural and inherent even among young budding Filipino artists. Art is the universal language and effective bridge to deepen the friendship, goodwill and understanding among Filipinos, New Zealanders and people from other countries,” Ambassador Benavidez said. Mayor Wallace acknowledged the vital contributions of Filipinos to the multicultural enrichment of the city of Lower Hutt where a sizeable number of Filipinos reside. Together with Mayoress Wallace, he conveyed his congratulations to Farsite Gallery”s Ms. Greene, Ms. Jowett and the Filipino artists for holding the art exhibition in his city which will undoubtedly contribute to greater people-to-people ties between New Zealand and the Philippines. Mayor and Mayoress Wallace were impressed by the distinctive and beautiful paintings, wooden carvings and soft sculptures. “Indeed, the Filipinos of various ages are talented and creative as evidenced by these various art forms,” Mayor Wallace said. Ms. Jowett proudly presented each Filipino artist and gave an overview of the art works and medium used for the exhibition.

All the guests were treated to an enjoyable evening of awesome Filipino talents and creativity in the visual arts done by Filipinos from 6 to 47 years old and several of their art works were bought. The exhibition at the Farsite Gallery will run until 7 March 2013.