The Consulate of Georgia, led by Consul (a.h.) Thelmo Cunanan Jr, is planning an art exhibit in August, in in partnership with the Manila Collectible Company (TMCC). Located in Intramuros, Manila, TMCC is a privately-funded cultural center and gallery that supports Filipino artists and specializes in the promotion of indigenous Philippine art and heritage.

Entitled “The Colors of Hope, Part 2”, the exhibit will feature the paintings of master visual artist and mural painter Pancho Piano, who was the first Filipino to formally display his work in Georgia and the Caucasus. Last November 27 – December 3, 2014, Mr. Piano held his “Colors of Hope” exhibit at the Shalva Amiranashvili Museum of Fine Arts in Tbilisi, Georgia. The event was organized by Consul Cunanan and museum curator Dr. Lela Tsitsuashvili. The exhibit, which featured painting of Philippine religious celebrations, was in honor of Georgian-Filipino friendship.

While he was in Georgia, Mr. Piano also joined the first Philippine media delegation, composed of print and broadcast journalists, which visited the country’s major tourism sights and attractions.  The tour was organized by Consul Cunanan, in cooperation with the Georgian National Tourism Administration, which seeks to promote Georgia as a travel destination.

Mr. Piano’s exhibition at TMCC in August will feature paintings of the different important historical landmarks and cultural scenes, which he and his media colleagues saw during their official Georgia tour.