OPAV cites Cebu lass for exploits in arts
CEBU CITY – For her exploits in the field of arts, a 19-year-old native of Daanbantayan, Cebu was recognized by the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas (OPAV).
Mel Ann Shane Lauron, who has started making a name for herself by making portraits of some famous figures, including superheroes using Rubik’s Cubes, was also given a full scholarship for her college education.
Lauron recently met OPAV Secretary Michael Lloyd Dino who gave her a Plaque of Appreciation in recognition of her artwork.
“I really would like to support you guys (artists). It’s my first time to hear of someone who does this in Cebu or in the Visayas,” Dino told Lauron during the meeting.
As his way of supporting Lauron, Dino commissioned the young artist to make Rubik’s cube portraits of him, President Duterte, and Sen. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go.
Philanthropist Augusto Go, president of the University of Cebu, has promised to give Lauron a full scholarship for her college education.
Go, who was with Dino during the meeting, said talented young people like Lauron deserve to get support like a scholarship.
Aside from pursuing her career in arts, Dino encouraged Lauron to finish college.
“While continuing what you do now, you must finish college. Nothing beats finishing your education,” Dino said.
According to Lauron, it was only last January when she thought of using the puzzle cube as a medium for her artwork.
While waiting for the Rubik’s Cubes she had canvassed, she had started learning and practicing how to make mosaic portraits using the puzzle cube.
“So, I made my first portraits (using Rubik's cubes) just last March,” she said.
She said she has already made portraits of some international heroes, local artists, and her parents.
Lauron has long been into arts. She has been into crafts making claw machines and vending machines using cardboard; a “bahay kubo” made of bamboo sticks and banana trunks; and portraits of super heroes using cardboard and banana leaves.
She features these creations on her YouTube channel, I’m Yowawerts, which now has 110,000 subscribers.