In a momentous triumph, Therese Mae P. Ortaliz, a BS Architecture student from the LCCB School of Architecture, Fine Arts & Interior Design, emerged as the Grand Prize Winner in the 50th Dinagsa Festival 2024 – Negros Occidental Open Theme Painting Competition. The prestigious event, held on January 20, 2024, at the Cadiz City Arena, drew in a formidable pool of over 500 participants.
Ortaliz’s winning masterpiece, titled “Negros’ Vibrant Harvest,” spanning 36 inches by 48 inches, captured the essence of the province’s sugarcane industry. The vibrant and visually striking composition beautifully showcased the lush fields of sugarcane, paying homage to the diligent farmers and their indispensable carabaos.
As the deserving recipient of the Grand Prize, Ortaliz was awarded 100,000 pesos, a testament to the artistic prowess she exhibited in her remarkable portrayal of Negros Occidental’s agricultural heritage.
In her artist statement, Ortaliz articulated the inspiration behind her winning creation, stating, “I painted this to highlight the beauty of our sugarcane produce and the farmers behind them. I wanted to emphasize the major produce here in the province that has provided thousands of farmers jobs and given us sugar that has helped build this province to what it is today. In my work, I wanted to give a more colorful take on the farming life, creating an atmosphere that romanticizes the beauty of sugarcane planting which pays homage to the colorful festivals held here in our province, and highlights the workers in the field, the farmers and our precious carabaos.”
This significant achievement not only adds a feather to Ortaliz’s cap but also brings pride to the LCCB School of Architecture, Fine Arts & Interior Design. The Dinagsa Festival 2024 stands as a testament to the thriving artistic community in Negros Occidental, where talent, creativity, and cultural heritage converge to create masterpieces that resonate with the essence of the province./AV #lccbPRIDE #lccbSARFAID #LCCBCommunityofFriends #BuildingDreamsTogetherwithLCCB