Pine & Bamboo, Bamboo & Pine

The idea of a bonding activity for the members of the two-year-old Baguio Aquarelle Society came from our mentor Norman Chow. A picnic on the forested floor surrounding Baboo Mondonedo's residence was suggested to be followed by a plein air painting session. Before we knew it, the idea took a life of its own.

Thus we came up with "Pine & Bamboo, Bamboo & Pine," the first on-the-spot water media painting competition to mark the Ibaloi Centennial. Scheduled on Feb. 20, Saturday, starting as early as 8:30 and ending promptly at 4 p.m., the event at 308 Piraso Road, Tam-awan, Pinsao Proper, Baguio City, is sponsored by the Baguio Aquarelle Society and the Cordillera News Agency.

Our aim is to raise awareness of the Cordillera's precious natural heritage, trees and the indigenous people's culture being the most prominent. The title of the contest was inspired by a nature poem by Basho, a Japanese poet.

The contest is divided into two categories: professional (for those who have had at least one solo visual arts exhibition) and amateur (students, hobbyists and tourists). At stake are cash prizes (first, second and third for each category) and a chance to exhibit winning works at the Baguio-Mountain Province Museum on Gov. Pack Road in time for Earth Day.

Participants must register at the main house on the day of the contest so they can choose a spot where they can comfortably settle for the day in the forested area and garden. Bring your own materials (paints, paper, brushes, easel, rags, water container). We will provide some stools and tables apart from the picnic lunch.

The artist is encouraged to explore his/her best in presenting and conceptualizing his/her entry using any water-based media(watercolors, watercolor pencils, ink, acrylic). Through this contest, the organizers hope to see artists' vision and interpretation of Baguio's true resources.

The participant can choose any style: realistic, stylized (distorted figure), representational cubism, abstract, purely non-representational, no-recognizable figures and objects but suggestive of the theme.

The competition is open to all, Filipinos and foreign residents/visitors alike, age 12 years old (by Feb 20, 2010) and above. Participants can work on as many pieces as they can but can only submit one entry.

There is no registration fee.

Minimum size is 12" x 16", horizontal or vertical.

The media acceptable are acrylic on canvas, watercolor or other water media on paper. Entry using collage, decoupage, assemblage or use of non-pigment based materials like board, plastic, metal, etc. IS NOT allowed. The entry must hang on a wall to qualify. Appropriate support and/or equivalent devices should be provided to ensure the proper hanging of the artwork (ready for hanging). For watercolor entries, any watercolor paper is allowed, except illustration board.

The entry must have been painted on the spot and finished within the time allotted for the contest. We will go around the premises and see to the participants' needs. All entries must be in and must be signed at the back of the paper or canvas by 4 p.m. It must also be properly labeled at the back: Artist (name, address and contact numbers), Title of the work, Medium, Size, Year and Price.

All participants must be responsible for their entries. We will not pick up or transport any artwork to or from any point of origin.

What to Bring:

Photocopy of one valid ID (for age verification). The only acceptable IDs are: current school ID, PRC License, driver’s license, company ID, copy of passport, postal ID, SSS ID, GSIS-E-card, senior citizen’s ID, voter’s ID, NBI/police clearance.

STRICTLY NO SMOKING indoors or outdoors. Photo shows Baboo's still life with bamboo