Philippine Artists Group of Canada

Art in the Sun with Dr. Solon & the PAG

By Michelle Chermaine Ramos
Mississauga-Canada
July 25, 2014






The Philippine Artists Group of Canada had a live sketching and painting session at Drs. Solon and Josephine Guzman’s residence in Mississauga on Sunday July 20^th 2014. The couple who are known for their community leadership and philanthropy are long-time art patrons and friends of the PAG.


 However, more important than their popularity and high standing in the community, they are first and foremost lovingly dedicated and proud parents of their two talented daughters, Princess and Angelina who are young budding artists. The girls impressed the professional artists and guests with their colorful paintings exhibited a mini art show in the spacious backyard. Later that afternoon, they spent time observing how the PAG artists worked as they demonstrated their skills in sketching and painting still life, landscapes and portraits.

PAG artists who attended the event include Jun Afable, Jhun Ciolo Diamante, Alex Gonzalez, Charlie Hermoso, Gene Lopos, Maestro Romi MananQuil, Omel Masalunga, Michelle Chermaine Ramos, Mark Edison Salinas, Frank Tonido and Nelia Tonido. Joining the scrumptious barbecue party were friends and family, Consul General Junever Mahilum-West, Mama Ching, Eddie and Marita Lee of Atin Ito newspaper, Philippine Press Club President Rose Tijam and singer Lilac Cana who entertained everyone with an impromptu performance.

The Philippine Artists Group of Canada was established in 1986 by a group of immigrant Filipino master painters and professors with the vision of promoting Filipino arts and culture in their new country.
Today its elite membership has grown and boasts of award-winning artists and some of the prominent names in Filipino Canadian art. The group has become a popular mainstay in the local arts community serving as a bridge of cultural diplomacy through visual arts in collaboration with the Philippine embassy and consulate.

To the Filipino community in Canada, the PAG is a pillar of cultural identity, representing a link to the values and richness of Philippine visual arts and culture of the past, while inspiring and spearheading the future of Filipino Canadian art.