ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, IL.- The Arlington Heights Memorial Library - Hendrickson North - of Illinois presents August 1-31 the First North American Exhibit of "Kut-kut - Lost Art of the Philippines."Kut-kut is an exotic Philippine art form based on early century techniques -- sgraffito, encaustic and layering. The merging of these ancient styles produces a unique artwork characterized by delicate swirling interwoven lines, multi-layered texture and an illusion of three-dimensional space.

"Art is my passion and compulsion. My mission is to revive the lost art and present the public the beauty and rich history of the ancient art form from the Philippines," says Fred DeAsis, a Chicago area artisan, who will be exhibiting his original kut-kut artworks and a rare late 1800's kut-kut art piece from his collection.

Each of DeAsis' creations begins with clear emulsion treated panel and then requires countless hours of repetitive paint and medium application, drying, scraping, layering and composing to produce the desired artwork.

DeAsis studied fine arts in Asia and Europe and participates in local and international art shows. He is an active member of Arlington Heights Art Guild and Chicago Artist Coalition.