SIXTEEN young artists from all over Negros Oriental participated in the 6th Victorias Milling Company (VMC) Interschool Art Contest held on Saturday at the Sidlakan Village Tourism Center in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental.
The students were among those who pre-qualified for the contest to join the on-the-spot competition that will pit their artworks against those from Negros Occidental.
This year’s theme, “Evolution,” aims to drive the value of growth and development over time for individuals and entities.
As VMC celebrates its centennial celebration next year, it hopes to drive the message to all, particularly to the young, that there should always be that constant desire to improve one’s self; not to be content with their current capabilities, but to always strive to become better versions of themselves.
This annual search has become a platform to discover and hone the talents of student artists through on-the-spot competitions and the subsequent art summer workshops where finalists get to be mentored by professional artists in various art media.
There are only two categories this year – Interschool Elementary Category for grades 1 to 6 and the Interschool Secondary Category for grades 7 to 12, to concentrate on mentoring young talents discovered via the competition.
VMC first launched the art competition in 2013 as part of its thrust to restore and enhance the arts and cultural awareness in Negros and promote the company’s vision and values through the creativity of the young.
The semi-finals for Negros Occidental, meanwhile, will be this coming Saturday at The Gallery Orange in Bacolod with 52 students competing.
The Final Judging will be on September 30 followed by the Awarding Ceremony at Base Center Hall B in Mandalagan, Bacolod City.