This blog post is about my excitement and pride of my art being displayed at Chicago’s Harold Washington Library in the largest and longest art exhibit featuring Filipino American artists in Chicago.

Posing in front of my piece, Grief, Promise, Rebirth (2024). Mixed Media on Canvas; Acrylic paint, paper, modeling paste, marker, ink on canvas; 24” x 30”. Halo-Halo Project Exhibit at Harold Washington Library in Chicago.

Because October was Filipino American History Month (FAHM), I am indulging myself in not just one personal blog post about FAHM but two. I have the immense honor of having my fine art work on display at Chicago’s historic Harold Washington Library in the art exhibit titled, Halo-Halo Project. The Halo-Halo Project is the largest and longest exhibit displaying art from Filipino American artists in Chicago.

{RELATED POST: Cultural Rediscovery & Personal Grief: Reigniting My Fine Art Roots}

The opening reception on October 2nd, 2025 was a beautiful and celebratory affair.

Event Speakers

Speakers included:

• Scott Watanabe – Chicago Public Library Representative
• Leni Manaa-Hoppenworth – 48th Ward Alderwoman, the 1st Filipino American Alderperson of Chicago
• Oliver Aguilar – Exhibit Curator & Principal of Art Drop Studios
• Justin Suico – Artist & Exhibit Project Manager
• Hoan Huynh – IL 13th District Representative
• Atty. Melanie Rita B. Diano – Consul General of the Philippine Consulate General in Chicago

Each of them provided words of inspiration to mark this milestone event. The evening was punctuated with music by DJ Eric Cervantes and the SamaSama Project.

Surreal Feeling with Gratitude

After reigniting my fine art roots last year, it’s surreal to see my art hanging next to the creations of other artists in such a prestigious and prominent cultural institution. If someone told me last year when first putting paint to canvas after over 20 years of being away from my first art medium love that a little over one year later, I will be a part of history, I would laugh but be grateful for this kind person’s impossibly optimistic forecast.

{RELATED POST: The Filipino American Experience: Lumpia Fusion Art Exhibit}

Where My Art Exhibit Journey Started: The Welcoming Filipino American Chicago Artist Community

And I will always be grateful to artist Cesar Conde, who was my conduit into the Chicago Filipino American art community. He curated the first Lumpia exhibit in 2023 titled More Than Lumpia. After last year’s Lumpia exhibit titled Unwrapping Lumpia, I reached out to him to purchase one of his art pieces (which is proudly displayed in my living room). Cesar graciously spent time with me, my husband, and my daughter, showing us around his studio and sharing his in-progress art with us. He even took extra care to be a sweet and playful Tito to my then-toddler. As he escorted me to the lobby, I mentioned my fine art background, and he emphatically encouraged me to join Sinag, a group of Filipino American artists based in the Greater Chicago area that creates and exhibits visual art reflecting their heritage and culture. He directed me to contact Sinag president Geraldine Martinez-Benz and go from there.

I couldn’t believe that this prominent artist was encouraging me to join him and fellow artists. My entire life, I’ve witnessed gatekeeping in every aspect, so it was refreshing for someone to share so freely.

It inspires me to pay it forward. Now that I’m a part of the Filipino American art community in Chicago, I’m excited to invite others into the fold… including you! If you’re a Chicago-based Filipino American artist, come join Sinag or message me on Instagram at @aireenarellanoart for more information.

And if you’re a lover of art and culture, no matter to what degree, I invite you to come see the Halo-Halo Project exhibit at the Harold Washington Library. It’s free to see and easy to access. Just enter the library on the ground level, and look for the Ida B. Wells Corridor.

Plan Your Visit

• Exhibit: Halo-Halo Project
• Location: Harold Washington Library, Ida B. Wells Corridor
• Duration: October 1, 2025 – January 15, 2026

This post was all about my excitement and pride of my art being displayed at Chicago’s Harold Washington Library in the largest and longest art exhibit featuring Filipino American artists in Chicago called the Halo-Halo Project.