On July 5, 2024, The Monarch, an art gallery extension brand of Jas Ancheta Interiors, launched its one-of-a-kind fusion of an art space, a wine bar, and an interior design venue in Molito, Philippines. Its first program, dubbed as Athena, will be centered on the mythology of Athena, Greek goddess of wisdom, warfare, and civilization. The gallery space will showcase a collection of works from artists that personify Athena’s multifaceted characters.
Main artists Lydia Velasco, Helena Alegre, and Coeli Manese are the highlights of Athena, along with supporting artists Ioannis Sicuya and Jessie Falalimpa. This is also the debut exhibition of Andie Jaro, Jet Tan, Ez Arce, and Marlon Asparen, as The Monarch’s first exclusive artist collective: Pulang Lupa. Furthermore, Art Agenda, an international art gallery from Indonesia, has teamed up with The Monarch in an effort to broaden focus through regional and international affinities, by showcasing the works of Filipino master artist Nena Saguil and Indonesian master artist Umi Dachlan.
In additional, the gallery also announced sponsorship partnership with companies Greengroup Inc., Wallcrown Design Center, Mobler Enterprises, and Tamang Alaga for the upcoming event, as well as activities for a complete and holistic experience of guests and artists, which are as follows:
Camera Obscura: 6-session Basic Art workshop, spearheaded by artist Khristina Manansala every Saturday, starting July 27, 2024. Brushes and Bottles: Art & Wine Experience, with artist Khristina Manansala and Tamang Alaga- a partnership of Unilab and Medicare Plus, on Fridays and Saturdays starting July 19 to August 2024. Wine Walk Around Tasting: Based on Athenian culture, philosophy, with wine pairings inspired by ancient Greek flavors, led by the wine bar curator Ardy Abello on July 19 to 20, 2024.
Mini Masterpiece: Live Mini Portrait Sessions done by The Monarch’s artist collective, The Windowsill Creatives, at The Monarch every Saturday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Art of Sound: A Night of Art, Wine, and Chill Beats played by DJ Owen Cortez every Saturday at The Monarch Wine Bar from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Exhibition details: Athena – Group Exhibition July 05, 2024 - August 03, 2024. Unit 5 Molito Lifestyle Building No. 3, Alabang Zapote Road, Ayala Alabang, Muntinlupa 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Mondays to Fridays; 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.