Tucked between a grocery store and a pizza chain in Jaro district of Iloilo City is an architectural showroom that has become another haven for local Ilonggo artists.

A.R Sculptura Space, the architectural showroom of husband and wife Joseph Carl Albert and Margarette Albacete-Pampliega, has played host to the inaugural show of the group collectively known as Sanag.

“We wanted to combine art and architecture,” says Margarette, an architect and environmental planner.

Her husband, Joseph Carl, is an interior designer and sculptor.

The exhibition, dubbed as “Bùtlak” (the Hiligaynon word for sunrise), is a beginning of beginnings—of forging the couple’s passion for art and architecture as well as forging camaraderie among their artists friends.

“Bùtlak” showcases the works of Kristoffer Brasileño, Mel John Corral, Franc Garcia, Vivien Gardose, Rey Denzil Gico, Arthur Jusa Jr., Madhu Liebscher, Jovin Militar, and Frank Alexi Ymalay Nobleza.

Margarette tells Manila Bulletin Lifestyle the architectural showroom is initially only for clients, but decided to dedicate a space for works of artist friends, who are often there for lengthy discussions on Iloilo’s art and cultural scene.

“The art scene in Iloilo is not yet mature. It needs to focus and have direction to achieve its desire to be an art capital,” echoes Liby Limoso, an artist and art instructor who curated Sanag’s inaugural exhibition.

“Sanag artists aim to be enlightened as well as bring light,” adds Liby.

Meanwhile, art museums and art spaces in Iloilo have again reopened after strict protocols were gradually lifted.

There’s still the ongoing group exhibition, dubbed as “5,” of Rock Drilon, Allain Hablo, Jeline Laporga, Brian Liao, and James Salarda at the Iloilo Museum of Contemporary Art (ILOMOCA) in Megaworld Corp.’s Iloilo Business Park. It runs until the end of the month.

There are also group shows at Mamusa Art Gallery, Museo Iloilo and various malls.