17/05/2026
Weekly Art News Roundup: May 10-16, 2026
Cover Art Spotlight: "Maiden with Fruits" by Fernando Amorsolo
As we celebrate the vibrant month of May, our cover art this week is a fitting tribute: Fernando Amorsolo’s iconic "Maiden with Fruits." This masterpiece beautifully captures the essence of Filipino rural life, with a radiant maiden surrounded by the bountiful harvest of the season. Amorsolo, a National Artist, was renowned for his luminous landscapes and idealized depictions of Filipino beauty and culture. His work, often bathed in golden sunlight, evokes the warmth and abundance associated with May—a month of blossoms, fiestas, and renewed life. It’s a timeless reminder of the richness of our heritage and the enduring beauty of the Philippine countryside
Happy weekend, ArtTalks Ph community! This week has been a vibrant celebration of both local heritage and international artistic achievement. As we navigate the second week of May, we are reminded of the power of art to bridge communities and honor our collective history. From the blooming creativity in Silang to the prestigious stages of London, your talent continues to inspire and connect us all.
Here is your weekly roundup of art news, based on the latest updates from our community and the broader art world.
1. Celebrating Our Community: Local & International Success
This week, we have so much to celebrate, both close to home and across the miles!
•Congratulations to "Bloom Fest" Participants: A huge shoutout to all the artists who participated in the "Bloom Fest" at Likha Village in Silang, Cavite! Your creativity brought so much color and life to the event, showcasing the vibrant artistic spirit of our local community.
•International Spotlight: Chris Horner in London: We are thrilled to congratulate our dear friend from London, Chris Horner, on the resounding success of his group exhibition, “This, That, and The Other.” Chris has long captivated us with his bold and inventive mixed media works, and seeing his art shine on an international stage fills us with immense pride.
Featured Work:
•Title: Alright Lads, How’s It Going?
•Date: 2026
•Size: 43 x 49 x 15 cm
Congratulations, Chris! Your success is a win for the entire ArtTalks Ph family
2. National Arts & Culture: Opportunities for Artists
Stay informed and take advantage of these significant national initiatives:
National Galleries Month - Free Art for All: In celebration of National Heritage Month, several major galleries and museums are offering free entrance! This is the perfect time to immerse yourself in Filipino art.
•National Museum of Fine Arts: Always free entrance (9 AM - 4 PM, closed Mondays)
•Ateneo Art Gallery: Offering free entrance on May 19, 2026
•Metropolitan Museum of Manila: Free entrance available until May 31, 2026
Metrobank MADE Art Competition 2026: Submissions are now in full swing for the Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) competition. We wish all the participants the very best of luck! Your bravery in putting your work out there is already a victory
NCCA 2026 Call for Accreditation: The National Committee on Visual Arts encourages all visual artists, cultural workers, organizations, and creative groups to take part in the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) 2026 Call for Accreditation. This is a vital step for official recognition and participation in national projects
Gawad CCP Para sa Sining Nominations: Nominations for the Gawad CCP Para sa Sining are now open to the public! This is the highest award given by the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to artists or groups who have consistently produced outstanding works and enriched the development of their art form in architecture, dance, film, literature, music, theater, and visual arts
3. Upcoming Events & Invitations
Silang Cavite Heritage Month Art Exhibit: We warmly invite all artists to participate in our upcoming exhibit celebrating the rich heritage of Silang, Cavite. Don't miss this chance to showcase your work!
Register here: https://forms.gle/mMKJdMrkXdfigKw48
Have an achievement to share? Whether you've sold a painting, won an award, or are opening an exhibit, let us know in the comments so we can celebrate with you!
References
[1] Chris Horner Artist Facebook. "This, That and The Other - The London Group Annual Exhibition 2026." May 8, 2026.
[2] The London Group. "This, That and The Other Exhibition Details." 2026.
[3] National Museum of the Philippines. "Visitor Information & Free Admission." May 2026.
[4] WindowSeat.ph. "International Museum Day: Free Entrance to Museums and Galleries." May 2026.
[5] Metrobank Foundation. "2026 Metrobank Art & Design Excellence (MADE) Competition Call for Entries." 2026.
[6] NCCA National Committee on Visual Arts. "2026 Call for Accreditation for Artists and Organizations." May 2026.
[7] Cultural Center of the Philippines. "Gawad CCP Para sa Sining Nominations Now Open." May 2026.
[8] PIA.gov.ph. "CCP opens nominations for prestigious Gawad CCP Para sa Sining award." May 2026.
Don Foronda