In January 2022, emerging from the challenges of a global pandemic and armed with the necessary permissions, Pinspired Art Souvenirs embarked on a remarkable journey - the 'Bahandi sa Kabakhawan' or 'Mangrove Treasures' Educational Art Project. This venture saw us collaborate with three traditional artists and three ceramic artists from Dumaguete City, uniting their talents to create an art exhibition like no other. Our commitment to this project went beyond the canvas. We ventured into the heart of Negros Oriental, immersing ourselves in a mangrove protection area to gain a deeper understanding and inspiration for our creative endeavor. The majority of artworks had been meticulously crafted in 2021, but due to the resurgence of pandemic restrictions, we had to patiently wait until January of the following year to launch the exhibition.
During this waiting period, we channeled our energy into meticulous preparation. We crafted educational posters about Mangrove Protection, generously made available for download from our website. A social media campaign was also launched to educate both local communities and visitors about the vital importance of mangroves. When the exhibition finally opened, attendance was limited, but the collective relief and excitement were palpable. Visitors were captivated by the project's significance and the artistry it showcased, leaving us with invaluable feedback that fueled our passion further.
Beyond the physical artworks, Pinspired Art Souvenirs collaborated with our artists to produce limited edition art prints, available at our store. The proceeds from these prints directly support educational programs dedicated to mangrove protection by the esteemed Big Blue Network.
This project ignited a spark within us, inspiring a desire to engage in more initiatives of this nature. We were not only pleased with the results but also deeply gratified by the collective effort to support a local NGO and champion the preservation of our mangroves.