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Press Release
PHILIPPINE CONSULATE GENERAL IN CHICAGO PARTNERS WITH SULZER REGIONAL LIBRARY AND MS. GERALDINE MARTINEZ-BENZ FOR NATIONAL ARTS MONTH CELEBRATION
Left Photo (L-R): Ms. Geraldine Martinez-Benz, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Assistant Director Yvette Garcia.
Right Photo: Group photo with the participants
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in partnership with the Sulzer Regional Library, successfully hosted a painting activity titled “Sip, Paint, Relax” featuring artist Geraldine Martinez-Benz on 28 February 2026 at the Sulzer Regional Library.
Library Assistant Director Yvette Garcia delivered the welcome remarks, setting a warm and engaging tone for the program. This was followed by remarks from Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, who emphasized the significance of the activity as part of the celebration of Philippine National Arts Month and highlighted its role in strengthening community ties through creative expression.
Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel introduced the featured artist, Ms. Martinez-Benz, highlighting her background as a book designer, fine artist, and graphic designer. A graduate of the University of the Philippines in Cebu with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in Painting, Ms. Martinez-Benz is also a founding member of SINAG, a collective of Filipino-American artists in Greater Chicago. Her efforts have created a vibrant space where Filipino creatives can connect, collaborate, and showcase their talents.
The activity brought together art enthusiasts and first-time painters alike, resulting in an an engaging celebration of art, culture, and community.
Consul General Diano awards Certificate of Appreciation
to Ms. Geraldine Martinez-Benz
Left Photo (L-R): Ms. Geraldine Martinez-Benz, Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano and Assistant Director Yvette Garcia.
Right Photo: Group photo with the participants
The Philippine Consulate General in Chicago, in partnership with the Sulzer Regional Library, successfully hosted a painting activity titled “Sip, Paint, Relax” featuring artist Geraldine Martinez-Benz on 28 February 2026 at the Sulzer Regional Library.
Library Assistant Director Yvette Garcia delivered the welcome remarks, setting a warm and engaging tone for the program. This was followed by remarks from Consul General Melanie Rita B. Diano, who emphasized the significance of the activity as part of the celebration of Philippine National Arts Month and highlighted its role in strengthening community ties through creative expression.
Cultural Officer Mary Joy Duran-Mortel introduced the featured artist, Ms. Martinez-Benz, highlighting her background as a book designer, fine artist, and graphic designer. A graduate of the University of the Philippines in Cebu with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree, majoring in Painting, Ms. Martinez-Benz is also a founding member of SINAG, a collective of Filipino-American artists in Greater Chicago. Her efforts have created a vibrant space where Filipino creatives can connect, collaborate, and showcase their talents.
The activity brought together art enthusiasts and first-time painters alike, resulting in an an engaging celebration of art, culture, and community.
Consul General Diano awards Certificate of Appreciation
to Ms. Geraldine Martinez-Benz