VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) — The Ilocos Sur Kannawidan Festival 2023 art competitions and exhibit yields a total of P1,700,520 net of sales as of February 27.

According to Mishelle Tongson, chairperson of the Ilocos Sur Export Enterprise Marketing Cooperative Incorporated, 23 artworks and two sculptures have been sold.

All the art pieces in the painting and sculpture categories, as well as the art exhibit are offered at full artists price.

The participating artists have full rights to the proceeds, while the expenses were shouldered by the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur.

Tongson said, “This is to help the local artists market their talents and skills during the Kannawidan Festival.”

Architect Roel Salvatierra, founder of the YloContemporaryo Artists Collective said, “We, the local artists based in Ilocos Sur, are very pumped up and happy since last year during the Kwadro Yolcano, the provincial government, headed by Governor Jerry Singson and Vice Governor Ryan Luis Singson have continued their support.”

According to Arch. Salvatierra, the art exhibit and competitions showcased the Ilocano artistry, and at the exhibit each of the sixteen artists had a cubicle to themselves to show the direction of the particular artist -their identity.

“Hindi na natin kailangan mag-imbita ng mga manlilikha mula sa Manila para magpakita ng sining kasi dito palang napakarami na nating talentadong artists, bata at matagal na,” he added.

He said that this is the highlight of the festival, and that he hopes for these events to continue for the younger generation of artists.

He also expressed his message to the artists in the province, “It is very important that you paint with your own brush, find yourselves and create with your heart not looking at the economics only. Kapag pinagbutihan ninyo iyong artistry ninyo babalik din sa inyo.”

Meanwhile, the finalists in the painting competition professional category are Emerson Rabbon from Santa Catalina, Rovelyn Solar from Cabugao, Dexter Keith Prepose from Caoayan, Mar-Lou Arcalas from Santa, and Emmanuel Peralta Jr.from San Vicente.

Peralta emerged as the champion taking home P50,000 with his oil in canvas painting entitled "Ang Mamatay ng Dahil Sayo."

Further, the winners for the student category of the same competition are Froilan Raquepo-the third prize winner of P10,000, Shekina Del Dayoan -the second prize winner of P20,000 and Luce Domini Melegrito, the champion who won a prize of P30,000.

Moreover, for the sculpture category, Jemenic Real from Vigan City received P50,000 as the grand prize winner. (JCR/MJTAB/ATV, PIA Ilocos Sur)