­­­Artists to hold auction, exhibit at Likha Gallery

A 2023 exhibit of the Society of Philippine American Artists at the Philippine Center on Fifth Avenue.

The Society of Philippine American Artists is inviting the public to the opening of its exhibit on October 19th at Likha Gallery located at 429 Commerce Street, Hawthorne, New York.

Up for Silent Auction are two lovely prints “Playhorse” and “Nipa Hut Madonna” from SPAA founder Manuel A. Rodriguez Sr,   said SPAA publicist Dulcie Dee. The auction will raise funds for SPAA’s future exhibits. 

SPAA has a new set of officers elected in August. They are:

President — Marcelino Rodriguez

Vice President – Teodoro de la Santa

Treasurer – Cheryle Cranbourne

Secretary – Athena Magcase-Lopez

PRO – Dulcie Dee

The Filipino Reporter covers the birth of SPAA in 1994.

SPAA was co-founded in 1993 by Manuel A. Rodriguez Sr, widely known as the  Father of Printmaking. Dulcie Dee remembers how he approached her and spoke about his passionate desire to form an art group for Filipino Americans.

“(He wanted to) open the group to New York and New Jersey artists  so we could exhibit our works as a group around New York City and show our works at various art galleries in Soho,” she recalled. The Society of Philippine American Artists was born, aimed at promoting Philippine arts by bringing it to public awareness through exhibitions, seminars and other field activities.

In 1994, SPAA held its first show “Suntok Sa Buwan” (Shoot for the Moon), an exhibition of paintings by 15 members of the newly formed club.  The exhibit was held from September 16 to October 16 at the Brooklyn YWCA on Atlantic Avenue and 3rd Avenue in Brooklyn. Then-Consul General Romeo Arguelles and Linda Pelayo, associate publisher of the Filipino Reporter, were the guests of honor. 

From 1996 to 1998, SPAA held their group shows at Casa Victoria Restaurant and Gallery in New Jersey. In 1998, they held their first show “Salamin ng Kagitingan” at the Philippine Center in Manhattan. From that time on, SPAA would hold their annual exhibits at the Philippine Center.

Dulcie said she contacted SPAA member Ann Constantino Beck and owner of Likha Gallery about the possibility of doing an exhibit in 2024 or 2025. Ann informed Dulcie that the gallery was available for two weeks in October. Dulcie presented the availability to the Board which approved the proposal.

“Likha Gallery serves as a home for a multitude of artists, providing them with a platform for growth and expression,” said Dulcie. They host services and activities including art classes, workshops, and solo and group exhibitions. Additionally, the venue is available for hosting private events.

“Likha believes that art has the power to inspire, challenge, and transform us. Their events are designed to bring people together and foster a sense of community around art,” she said.

Added Dulcie, “Your generous support and attendance at our opening reception on October 19th will be a joyous event to celebrate SPAA’s organization that aims to encourage professional growth in the visual arts, preserve Philippine culture through art, and provide opportunities for aspiring artists. We welcome artists to become new members.”

Likha Gallery in Hawthorne N.Y., with owner Ann Constantino Beck and Deputy Consul General Adrian Cruz as guest of honor at its opening


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