ILOILO CITY – A group of artists recently collaborated with artisans from Iloilo and Guimaras to highlight local arts and crafts.

HIMBON artists with artisans from Barangay Cagbang, Miag-ao, Iloilo. (Himbon photo)

In “Simpon: Melding Ilonggo Arts and Crafts,” the Himbon Contemporary Ilonggo Artists and the artisans of Miag-ao, Iloilo and San Lorenzo, Guimaras showcased pieces made from the two-part learning project.

“It was a learning experience for both the artists and the artisans,” said Harry Mark Gonzales, founder and president of Himbon.

Beneficiary communities were Barangay Cagbang in Miag-ao for pottery and Barangay Sapal, San Lorenzo for weaving.

Gonzales said that there was a learning exchange – the Himbon artists were taught traditional techniques on pottery and weaving while the artisans were taught by the artists how to elevate their designs to make it more appealing to the market.

HIMBON artists with artisans from Barangay Sapal, San Lorenzo, Guimaras.  (Himbon photo)

With guidance from advisers Ed Defensor and Martin Genodepa, Himbon artists Gina Apostol, Vic Fario, Gilbert Labordo, Anthony Castillo, Eros Escaroendencio, Aljerico Saraum, Ariel Pineda, Nick Lanes, Kirby Guirhem Majaque, Mark Java, Roneal Torres, Edwin de los Reyes, Vic Nabor, and Althea Villanueva went to both communities for the learning exchange.

The community art outreach project was made possible by a grant from the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

The project culminated with a recent two-part exhibition at Iloilo Esplanade and SM City Iloilo.

Himbon was  backed by the Iloilo City government and Iloilo provincial government.