Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

LOS ANGELES – Los Angeles city officials kicked off Philippine Independence Day in grand style last week.

For the next month, the works of Filipino American artists will hang along the walls of the Rio bridge on the third floor of the Los Angeles City Hall building

The art exhibit called strokes of genius is a celebration of Philippine Independence Day and Filipino culture.

Among some of the artists whose works will be displayed are Emmy award winning Simpson’s animator Jess Espanola, the late Papo de Asis, Rafael Maniago and Don Magno.

"This exhibit not only showcases the talent and artistry of Filipinos but also their contributions to society," said Zen Lopez, the curator.

Presented by the Los Angeles Filipino Association of City Employees and City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, "Strokes of Genius: Filipino American Artists of Los Angeles," exhibit will run until July 3.

The Simpson’s Assistant Director Espanola said that this is a great opportunity for people to recognize the talent of FilAm artists.

"This is an opportunity for us to be known as artists and visual artists," said Espanola, who won the 2008 Outstanding Animated Program for the The Simpson’s’ episode ‘Eternal Moonshine of the Simpson Mind.’

Florante Ibanez said that this is also an opportunity for people to recognize that Filipinos are more than just the stereotypical accountants and nurses.

"They really don’t know that we are multifaceted," he said. "Especially Filipino Americans for us this is a way to show our pride. It gives us a place to showcase ourselves, and to show another side to the American public that they may not normally assume that we are."

The exhibit will run until July 3. Admission is free. The exhibit hours are from 8 a.m. to 5 pm.