San Pedro artist Edwardo Alamilla wins World Tourism Day art competition

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: World Tourism Day was celebrated on September 27, 2023 under the theme, “Tourism and Green Investments,” embracing the beauty of Belize’s pristine environment.

As part of the activities leading up to World Tourism Day, the Belize Tourism Board (BTB) held the Belize Tourism Through Art Competition during the months of August to September.

Local artists were invited to submit paintings highlighting this year’s theme.

Forty artists from across the country participated and were evaluated by a panel of judges with expertise in the arts.

They unanimously selected San Pedro resident Edwardo “Papo” Alamilla’s captivating piece entitled, “Our People, Our Landscapes, Our Tourism” as the winner.

Alamilla’s painting showcases Belize’s tourism landscape in all its beauty, including flora, fauna, and iconic attractions.

As the grand prize winner, Alamilla received $5,000 courtesy the BTB.

Special recognition was given to Kirt Cruz for his dedication, inspiration, and talent. Cruz plans to use art as a medium for creative expression to assist persons with disabilities.

The top artists, as scored by the judges, received staycation packages courtesy of the BTB’s hotel partners.

Those include Chabil Mar, Barefoot Caye Caulker Hotel, Hopkins Bay Resort, Blu Zen Resort, Sunset Caribe, Chaa Creek, San Ignacio Resort Hotel, Island Magic Resort, The Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant, The Lodge at Jaguar Reef, and El Ben Cabañas.

“We express our gratitude to these properties for joining us in recognizing and awarding the display of Belizean talent and creativity,” the BTB said.

The competition culminated with an exhibition at the Belisle Art Gallery at the Bliss Center for the Performing Arts, featuring 19 artists whose work were shortlisted during the competition.

The exhibition will run until the end of October.