Dimasalang III International Artist Group, comes to the Anvil Center with
“Walking with SYM – Inspiring a New Generation of Artists”

Sofronio Ylanan Mendoza, better known by his initials SYM, was an internationally renowned artist who was also called “maestro” or master for mentoring and nurturing aspiring artists in the Philippines and in Canada. He shared everything he knew with his students to uplift and inspire them. So they could support and inspire each other, he formed them into a group of artists called Dimasalang, named after a street in Manila where his career started in a modest studio.

As an arts teacher, SYM showed a wide spectrum of knowledge to his students – from the basic fundamental principles of drawing and painting to art history and to outside-the-box nuances and approaches to art not generally taught in art schools. In Vancouver, he shared his knowledge and techniques in art with Edgardo Lantin, Rod Pedralba, Noel Trinidad, Simeon Dee, Jess Hipolito, Andy Naval, Arlene George, Leo Cunanan Jr., and Maria Apelo Cruz.

SYM’s philosophy on art was “To express with the whole force of my capacity, vitality and intensity of expressiveness… bold and dynamic technique with profound intention to create and produce a work of art that is strong yet gentle to the human senses. In the end, it’s always my profound intention to create beauty which will stimulate not only our feelings but also widen our imagination.” He passed away in Vancouver on September 21, 2021. He was 87.

This exhibit features works of SYM’s and of his students from the Vancouver based Dimasalang III Artist Group.

Location: Anvil Center, Community Art Gallery
Exhibition Dates: April 1st – May 29th, 2024
Opening Reception: Friday Apr 5, 2024, 6:00-8:00pm
“2nd Sundays” Public Programming:
April 14th and May 12th, from 2:00-4:00pm.
Join exhibiting artists from the Dimasalang III International Artist Group for an interactive drawing workshop focusing on still life and portraiture. Guidance will be offered to those with less drawing experience.