PH Consulate General in Toronto Celebrates Women’s Month 2024 with “Women and the Color Purple” Art Therapy Workshop

Filipina artist and Philippine Artists Group (PAG) Vice President Michelle Ramos front row, (in black cap) with Consulate and attached agencies personnel and dependents. (Toronto PCG Photo)

TORONTO 19 March 2024— In celebration of the National Women’s Month and International Women’s Day, the Philippine Consulate General in Toronto, hosted an Art Therapy Workshop with the theme “Women and the Color Purple” intended for the Consulate and attached agencies personnel and their dependents. 

The workshop was held in line with the Philippine Commission on Women’s observation of #PurpleFridays or #PurpleYourIcon and its goal of “illuminating or adorning offices or landmarks with purple elements as a tribute to women and their impactful contributions to society.”

Acknowledging that the creation of art can relieve stress, help process difficult emotions during challenging events, and promote holistic wellbeing, the Consulate wanted to provide an opportunity to promote wellness and camaraderie among personnel and their families.

Ms. Michelle Ramos, a Filipino artist and current vice president of the Toronto-based Philippine Artists Group (PAG), conducted the two hour-workshop.  She brought a sample canvas and taught the participants brush techniques and mixing of colors. The participants then created their own paintings showing a woman wearing a purple terno or traditional Filipino dress in support of women empowerment. Purple, green and white are the colors of International Women's Day. 

Consulate personnel expressed appreciation for the workshop, with one frontliner saying “I was able to show my artistic side through painting.  Even though my painting is not that beautiful or perfect, it gives me satisfaction and makes me smile every time I see it.  Painting is a good stress reliever that many of us should try. Looking forward to another session.” END 

Philippine Deputy Consul General Kerwin Orville C. Tate welcomes participants to the art workshop. (Toronto PCG Photo)

Ms. Ramos demonstrates a technique to Consul Rodney Jonas L. Sumague. (Toronto PCG Photo)

Consulate and attached agencies personnel at work on their canvases. (Toronto PCG Photo)

For more information, visit https://www.torontopcg.dfa.gov.ph