Celebrating Filipino Heritage Through Art: Ibong Adarna Watercolor Workshop with Filipino-Canadian Artist

Filipino-Canadian Artist Esmie McLaren with the participants of Ibong Adarna Watercolor Workshop held at the Collingwood Neighborhood House Art Room. (Vancouver PCG photo)

VANCOUVER 10 June 2024 – In celebration of the Filipino Heritage Month in Canada, the Collingwood Neighborhood House (CNH) organized a Watercolor Workshop centered on the tale of Ibong Adarna with Filipino-Canadian artist Esmie Gayo McLaren at the CNH Annex Art Room in Vancouver on 02 June 2024.

Three personnel from the Philippine Consulate General in Vancouver, as well as their family members, joined the workshop.

The workshop opened with a story on Ibong Adarna, a mythical, magical bird of Philippine folklore, considered a large part of Philippine literature and usually studied in the country as part of the secondary school curriculum. The artist then proceeded to demonstrate how to use watercolor as a medium to paint the Ibong Adarna on paper.

Participants of all skill levels eagerly applied these techniques, creating their own colorful interpretations of the mythical bird. The event was not only an artistic endeavor but also a meaningful cultural gathering that brought the community together to appreciate and celebrate Filipino heritage.

Ms. McLaren received her artistic training through Emily Carr University after obtaining a BSc Biology/ Psychology from the University of Alberta. Using oil or watercolor, she paints scenes of everyday life through an emotive use of color and light. Her awards include Best of Show and Excellence in Figurative Work. McLaren is passionate about connecting communities, women’s/children’s issues, gardening, and travel. She is represented by the Jeunesse Gallery of Fine Arts. END

Workshop participants hard at work painting their Ibong Adarna. (Photo by Ms. Esmie Maclaren) 

(Left photo) L-R: Mr. Neil Ratonel, Mr. Kervin Mon Perez, Artist Esmie McLaren, Ms. Mary Hiedelweiss Peñaflorida, Ms. Patricia Yvette Joya, Ms. Eleanor dela Cruz and Ms. Millecent Verceles pose with their artworks after the session. (Vancouver PCG photo)

For more information, visit https://www.vancouverpcg.dfa.gov.ph, https://www.vancouverpcg.org, https://www.facebook.com/PHinVancouver, or https://www.instagram.com/phinvancouver/