BAGUIO CITY — There is more into the country’s summer capital than its cool climate, picturesque landscapes, and vivid flowers. The city also features a rich tradition, language diversity, and an inspiring art community.

Over the Panegbenga weekend, Baguio artists literally took to the streets, creating artworks along T. Claudio Street, just a stone's throw away from the UCPB building.

Dubbed PasaKalye, the art fair features different art forms from Cordillera artists such as wire sculptures, paintings, tattoos, and photographs — all created on the spot.

According to Carl Taawan, one of the organizers of the art event, PasaKalye aims to make art available to the masses. It also serves as a fund-raising activity for patients with diabetes.

This time, however, it’s the artists themselves who need help and that’s why they are selling some of their works.

“We are creating this event to start a cooperative store for them,” Taawan told ABS-CBN News. “I am hoping that we can loan them materials so they can continue their creativity.”

Art as livelihood

Among those who joined this year’s PasaKalye is Alex Musni, a limbless painter from La Trinidad, Benguet. While he considers himself an amateur—since he only started in 2014—Musni is an accomplished artist in his own right.

The 21-year-old told ABS-CBN News that his first intention for making paintings is to find a livelihood. Although he is a graduate of a computer secretarial program, Musni said not a single company was interested in hiring him due to his disability.

“Wala kasi akong mapasukang trabaho,” he said. “Kaya ako nag-paint para magkaroon sana ng hanap-buhay.”

Although some of his works are already displayed in a restaurant in Baguio City, Musni said he is still struggling to find people who will appreciate his art. And since he lives in the outskirts of the city, he said travelling to Baguio is also quite challenging for him. He only depends on the availability of his father or siblings to assist him.

A self-taught artist, Musni said he loves making paintings of the beach — which he has never seen in person, but has always been vivid picture in his imagination.

According to him, he particularly loves to paint the sunset, which he describes as very therapeutic. “Nakakawala ng problema. Nakaka-gaan lang pakiramdam,” he quipped.

If given the chance, Musni said he wants to visit Boracay. But he has one problem—he couldn’t swim. “Kailangan po may kasama ako. Turuan niyo ako,” he said in jest.

Having been born with a disability, Musni admits that he sometimes loses confidence in himself. There were times when he felt helpless, desperate even.

But with an empty canvass, a brush, and some paint, Musni turns into an able creator of beauty.