Fil-Am artist designs Jose Rizal commemorative artwork

A renowned international Filipino-American artist — Fred de Asis — designed an artwork to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Philippine national hero Dr. Jose Rizal this year. Using charcoal, pencil, pen, and ink, Chicago-based De Asis drew an artwork symbolic of the life and works of Rizal. De Asis is one of the most prolific Filipino-American artists in America well-known for his traveling cultural art exhibits, workshops, and Philippine ancient art and culture lectures in universities and other learning institutions. He is currently the Arts Commissioner of suburban Arlington Heights in Illinois. The DFA noted de Asis received many awards from civic organizations and communities for outstanding achievement in promoting arts and culture across the country. In 2010, he received the Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) Presidential Award from President Benigno Aquino III for his outstanding achievement and service in the field of Arts and Culture. He presented his artwork, entitled "Rizal 150," recently to Consul General Leo Herrera-Lim at the Consulate's Kalayaan Hall. Filipino-American artists in Chicago, art aficionados and Consulate officers and staff attended the ceremony, the DFA said. "The 11" x 17" framed artwork, signed and dated by the artist, is now on display at the Consulate's Kalayaan Hall as part of its permanent art collection," the Department of Foreign Affairs said. - VVP, GMA News