Featured Group: Guhit Pinas Quezon
The city of Lucena has no shortage of talents. From acclaimed directors, celebrated fashion designers, internationally published writers, lauded poets, and progressive art collectives, talented Lucenahins continue to pave the way for new breeds of artists who will continue the dynamic city’s cultural legacy. One such example is the Quezon Chapter of Guhit Pinas, a nationwide art group that counts many Lucenahins, among other Quezonians, as part of its growing list of talented members.
This week, join us as we sit down for a quick chat with Jandie Villanueva, one of the current leaders of the group, as we try to get to know their group better.
Guhit Pinas Quezon members during one of their art workshops Photo by Kate Briones Hashimoto
How many members do you currently have?
Guhit Pinas Quezon currently has 1,158 members and still growing. Since it is a Facebook-based group and anyone can join as long as they live here in Quezon Province, though, it’s quite possible that that number would see further increase in the future.
How many years have you been working together as a group?
Guhit Pinas Quezon Chapter is still in its infancy stage. We just celebrated our 1st anniversary last March 29, 2015.
What kind of activities do you do?
Every month, we have meet-ups for art talk, art workshops, plein air ( on-the-spot painting or sketching of landscapes within a certain period of time), reference collaboration, and for inspiring new members to explore their talents. Guhit Pinas Quezon is also affiliated with Quezon Province Heritage Council so we are able to participate in their meeting every month to discuss current issues related to the heritage of the city such as the preservation of historical houses, for example.
What do you consider to be your best achievement as a group?
As a group, our best achievement is when we are able to inspire new members to explore beyond what they think are the limits of their capabilities, but as regular artists, we consider meeting new people and learning new things from them as achievements of their own.
Members of Guhit Pinas Quezon collaborating with Guni-guri Artists Collective on one of their outreach programs Photo by Kate Briones Hashimoto
How do interested individuals join your group? Do you require portfolios or any other drawing samples from people who are interested in joining your group?
No, we don’t have any requirements. As long as they are willing to learn, we embrace and welcome them to our group.
What kinds of projects do you intend or hoping to work on in the future?
We are planning on collaborating with more groups and organizations for future exhibits. Right now, our focus is on ancestral houses in Quezon Province and out-of-school art workshops.
Are your activities only open to members or can non-members join in whenever you have a special event?
Anyone is welcome in our group as long as they are interested in the things we do and are willing to learn.
Can individuals without much experience in drawing join your group?
Definitely. The main purpose of Guhit Pinas is to inspire new artists, teach them new techniques, and how to deal with people with different types of preferences, so everyone with a passion for the arts and dedication to learn can join.
Senior members of Guhit Pinas Quezon giving art lessons to new members Photo by Kriane Burz
Do you have long-term projects that cater to people who are interested in learning to draw or improving their drawing skills?
Yes, we facilitate regular art workshops where everyone is welcome to join. They can also choose who they want to teach them, so new members can focus on learning the things that they are interested in the most.
Do you have a public page or any contact number that interested individuals can visit or use to get in touch with you?
Yes, they may visit our official Facebook page for more information as well as for more samples of our works and the activities they do, or they may also request to join as a new member through our private group.
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