Expo Arte Pilar 2025 in Recoleta: more than 60 artists exhibit to benefit the Hogares del Pilar

The parish halls of the Basilica of Our Lady of Pilar , in the heart of Recoleta , will be transformed next weekend into an art fair for charity: the second edition of Expo Arte Pilar will take place from August 23rd to 24th . It will bring together works by more than 60 artists in various disciplines, with the aim of collaborating with the Hogares del Pilar . The official opening will take place today, Friday, at 6:30 p.m., with the presence of several of the artists.

The event— with free admission —will occupy several of the basilica's historic halls, usually used for parish activities. These halls will be specially opened on this occasion to house contemporary painting, photography, classical art, and sacred art . An installation by artist Josefina Fernández will connect the different spaces, guiding visitors on a journey designed to encourage movement and encounter.

"We wanted it to be more than just a fair for selling works of art, but a complete experience , where people could explore, discover, and converse with artists, while also collaborating with those most in need," Cecilia Tagle, one of the event's organizers, explained to Clarín .

Participants include names such as Milo Lockett, Bartolomé Baccarezza, Jorge Tabbush, Melita Arteta, Luz Iriarte, Jorman Gutiérrez, Carlos Barbieri, Henrique Liberal Cardoso, and Gaby Grobo , among more than 60 creators with diverse backgrounds and styles. In total, some 90 works will be exhibited , as several artists chose to submit more than one piece.

“All the artists were very generous. They came forward with enthusiasm and donated magnificent works that will be at affordable prices , because the idea is for them to sell and help the homes,” Tagle said.

The price range is between 100,000 and 1,200,000 pesos , and all proceeds will go to the Hogares del Pilar—one for girls and adolescents, and another for mothers with children—to cover daily expenses such as food, utilities, and school supplies. In addition, donations of diapers and food will be accepted, along with the possibility of sponsoring one of the adolescents so they can finish their studies.

"What we're looking for isn't just to raise funds, but also to send a message . Each artist pours a little piece of their soul into their work, and that gesture becomes concrete help for those most in need," Tagle emphasized.

The chosen venue for this art fair, the Basilica del Pilar, is located across from the plaza of the same name and is one of the oldest and most emblematic churches in the city of Buenos Aires . Its parish halls, which typically host community group meetings, marriage preparation courses, and catechism classes, will be open to the general public for this fair.

At the center of the space, a colonial courtyard with a cistern, lit by period lanterns, will serve as a meeting point and offer tastings throughout the weekend. Surrounding this courtyard are the entrances to the various exhibition rooms, which will house the works for sale.

On display, for example, are Henrique Libreral Cardoso's pop paintings and portraits, honoring music and film icons of all time; Sofía Pereyra's oil paintings of grasslands, trees, and nature; Caro Campana's paintings using natural pigments extracted from nature, such as turmeric, spirulina, and hibiscus; and Barbara Morea's inks on rice paper, among many other creations.

Among the anecdotes surrounding this fair, one that stands out is that of Mirna, a young woman who lived in one of the homes and two years ago decided to show her first paintings at an online charity fair . A buyer was so impressed that she encouraged her to study art. Today, as a Fine Arts student , Mirna will present her work at Expo Arte Pilar. “For us, it's a concrete example of what this project means. The fact that a teenager discovers her calling thanks to an opportunity like this is what gives us the strength to continue,” Tagle recounted.

Today's opening will include a ceremony with remarks from the authorities, a toast, and music by a guest violinist . Cultural activities will also be held over the weekend, such as a folklore group performing on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. The fair will be open on Saturday, August 23rd and Sunday, August 24th, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., with free admission, at Junín 1898 (Recoleta).

“We're thrilled that artists are taking the time to donate their works and participate in person. We want the public to be able to come and talk with them, take home a work, and at the same time contribute to the care of their families,” Tagle concluded.