Meliza Gonzales

MELIZA GONZALES AND WHY ART IS FOR ALL AGES AT THE SUNSHINE PLACE

The Blooming, a solo exhibit of Meliza Gonzales held recently at the Sunshine Place, showcased why art is for all ages and why it’s never too late to become an artist.

Meliza, who had no previous experience in painting began attending workshops at the senior center under Art Association of the Philippines President Fidel Sarmiento in 2015.

At that time “she thought that life has plateaued with grown-up kids taking more control of their lives,” shares one of her daughters, Giliza. It was her husband Gil who encouraged her to take painting lessons at the Sunshine Place. While she was hesitant at first, Meliza took the big leap, and with the guidance of Maestro Fidel Sarmiento, the blooming went into over drive.

It was not long before Meliza participated in the Sunshine Place’s group exhibits for its art class students. The Blooming, her first solo exhibit, features her acrylic paintings – from florals, greeneries & forests, to cityscapes and memories of the provincial life.

Meliza is grateful for the different kind of fulfillment and confidence that the art program has brought. She shares that through painting -- she has rediscovered another side of herself after raising children and having a career in banking and in the food business.

Mr. Sarmiento, on the other hand, was elated over this special achievement of one of his most hardworking students. Meliza, he says, is always the first to arrive at the Sunshine Place to work on her paintings, but also the last to leave. He adds that she “showed potential ever since she began her first painting which looked like a professional’s work.”

Meliza was recognized as Top 25 Honorable Mention non-representational category durin the GSIS 2018.

Meliza Gonzales, shown here with husband Gil, recently mounted her first solo exhibit at the Sunshine Place

Marble Pot, acrylic on canvas (24”x30”)

Meliza Gonzales (center) with her husband Gil Gonzales (second from left), RFM President & CEO and ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chair Joey Concepcion, Art Association of the Philippines President & Sunshine Place art class instructor Fidel Sarmiento, and Sunshine Place President Lizanne Uychaco

Pink Roses, acrylic on canvas (24”x30”)

Bridge in Autumn, acrylic on canvas (24”x30”)

Meliza Gonzales, husband Gil Gonzales and their children – Patrick Xavier, Maria Marga, Marie Anne, Maria Andrea, Maria Giliza, Rafael and Jonathan. They are joined by family friend & University of Asia Pacific Professor Dr. Paul Dumol (left) and RFM President & CEO and ASEAN Business Advisory Council Chair Joey Concepcion (6^th from left).