Since its establishment in 2015, Grupo Kwadro has been continuously conducting weekly painting sessions to improve the members’ artistry, aside from keeping in touch with one another. Currently, the group meets every Tuesday, alternating between Gateway Gallery and a collector’s residence, both in Quezon City. The live portrait sessions last for around four hours, amidst classic music hits, instant coffee, and snacks shared by everyone. It is during these sessions that the members practice or explore using their preferred medium, refine their techniques, and develop their style.
Sometimes, during these sessions, they even create a new one. The group remains true to its purpose of continuously improving the members’ talents and skills. After the session, the group usually stays for an evening of fellowship that includes catching up with one another, art discussions, laughter, and sometimes music or karaoke. For Grupo Kwadro, Tuesday has become a special; a day they always look forward to.
Over the years the group has gone through a lot of changes, especially in its roster. Most of the core founding members are still present, especially its President, Carlos “Cee” Cadid and treasurer Nik Masangcay. Founding members Liza Oppus, Lupicinio Ng, Abu Urag, and Naning Molata-Gavin are still present and active. Over the years, more artists have joined the group, such as Cesar Del Mundo, Cesar Cruz, Chito Sy, Renn Maglalang, Moyo Montes, Roberto Martin Sing, and recently Gloria De Guia Melendres and Jenny Jasmin Lacay.
With the member changes, Grupo Kwadro’s diversity in terms of style has grown too. This, along with the members’ diligent efforts to nurture their artistry can be witnessed in the group’s upcoming 9th Anniversary Exhibition entitled “Harmony @ 9” at the Gateway Gallery, 5th floor, Gateway Tower, at the heart of Araneta City in Quezon City. The show will run from September 10 to 17, 2024. The group invites all to see and experience the works firsthand.
The exhibit is also part of the group’s countdown to its much-anticipated tenth-year anniversary, which will happen next year. The members look forward to its tenth year, like every Tuesday, when they can all be together and live up to the group’s purpose from the day it was established.