Put together 55 artists and 105 of their artworks and you get the biggest art exhibit in Negros island and the re-affirmation of the reputation of Bacolod City as having the liveliest art scene outside Metro Manila. The grand exhibit opened July 21 at the East Centre of SM City Bacolod to celebrate the 32nd anniversary of the Art Association of Bacolod.

AAB was formed on a spiritual note in 1975 when Jess Aiko, then the most active Negrense painter and one of the country's first modern-art practitioners, organized a painting competition at La Consolacion College on the theme "Holy Week in the Philippines." It was the first time Bacolod's established and aspiring artists got together to show their talents on canvas.

A scion of one of the province's leading families, self-taught artist Edgardo 'Budot' Lizares, saw the prospects of organizing an association of artists to enliven the city's cultural life. Meeting with Aiko, Rafael Paderna, Rodney Martinez and Beneldez Familiaran, among others, Budot and the group decided to hold a series of workshops for local artists, inviting over Dean Jose Joya of the U.P. Fine Arts College and Sculptress Virginia Agbayani.

On July 4, 1975, the Art Association was formally organized. The first set of officers were Edgardo Lizares as president, Elsa Valenzuela as secretary, Susan Soberano as assistant secretary, and Rafael Paderna, Amador Capiral, Ramiro Esteban, Beneldez Familiaran and Rodney Martinez as directors. Jose Joya was an honorary member.

On May 15, 1980 the AAB Articles of Incorporation was approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission. Other than the organizing artists, the other incorporators were Larry Tronco, Anita Feria, Juan Hagad, Ely Santiago, James Bilbao and Jess Aiko.

In the 32 years of existence, AAB has seen many of its members getting national renown. They have held countless solo and group shows in Manila and other major cities in the country. Some have distinguished themselves by getting awards in prestigious art competitions he country and in the ASEAN region.

As part of its mission to cultivate art consciousness in the province, it has held two art caravans in the cities and municipalities of Negros Occidental.

AAB was a moving force behind the organization of what is now known as the MassKara, a visual feast of creativity and color which has become one of the country's premier festival.

Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella, Bacolod first lady Elsa Leonardia, Councilor Jocelle Batapa-Sigue and AAB founder Budot Lizares led the ribbon-cutting at the opening rites which was followed by a program where the participating artists in a short program. The exhibit participants are Nunelucio Alvarado, Jecky Alano, Rosendo Aguilar; Arthur, Miriam, Daniel and Elijah Bayles; Leopoldo Bautista, Marcial Buelba, Rommel Clavecillas, Nilda Claveraz, Inocentes Cristales, Cyrene Cuenca, Annette Feria, Rex Cuenca;

Dolly Gatuslao, Alfredo Juson, Pinky, Bea and Carla Lizares, Rodney Martinez, Manuel Palacios, Mario Stephen Regollo, Leah Remolado, Roger Salvarita, Leah Samson, Paul Sumagaysay, Antonio Tejado, Arch. Rogelio Diaz, Mary Ann Manganti, Rudy Mañero, Ernie Claud, Anthony Tonogbanua;

Sugar, Babab and Mai-Mai Cuenca; Michael Gabilla, Sandy Coberos, Gene Clifton Belzar, Bing Sedonio, Giovanie Demasu-ay, Santiago Onatin, Martin Holtz Javier, Beth Puey, Sony Golez, Lim Guan Jr., Jojo Montinola, Joe Geraldo, Lloyd Tronco, Rudy Jumayao, Bogie Alvarado, Orville Visitacion and Chrysee Samillano.

The exhibit ended July 27.

The writer is a past president of the Art Association of Bacolod.