Overview of Miradas 2023: The Jorge Alió Foundation’s Kids Appearance Contest in Alicante
The Jorge Alió Foundation for the Prevention of Blindness hosted its IV edition of the Kids Appearance Contest, inviting students from both public and private centers in Alicante. The event welcomed boys and girls with visual impairment and drew participants and sponsors to the Alicante College of Physicians (COMA) last Saturday. The central message, gaze as a guiding element, framed XIII National Competition and the X International Painting Competition during the Miradas 2023 celebrations. All artworks are on display in the COMA exhibition hall through March 10. (attribution: Miradas 2023 organizers)
Alicante City Council Cultural Councilor attended the event. The school with the highest participation received recognition from Antonio Manresa. The event was managed by Maria Lopez Iglesias, executive chair of the Jorge Alió Foundation and director of the Miradas Competition. The artist Maryla Dabrowska joined as sponsor for ages 6 to 8, awarding the winning entry with 200 euros. The city belongs to everyone, as noted by Júlia Lausuch Santarromana from the International Montessori School of Starfish Alicante.
In a moment of reflection, the world is my view was echoed by Erik Sidauy Moya. Doctor Pedro Herrero also recognized the work of blind student Erick Castillo Bastante, who demonstrates braille literacy and shares the excitement of witnessing this title through tactile systems.
9 to 11 years
In this age group, a prize of 300 euros was awarded. Mika Rodríguez de Linares received the honor for her studies at Yoneda (San Fernando CIEP) with a green-themed appearance. Loles Guardiola, president of the Alicante Artists Association (AAA) and sponsor of the award, led the recognition. Marta López Costa (CP Rafael Altamira Alicante) was acknowledged for her work “First and Best Look,” and Arturo López Aguilar (CP Rafael Altamira Alicante) for his appearance.
Within the COMA framework, a prize of 400 euros was awarded in the 12 to 16 age category for the winning drawing. The comment, this AI will never be able to keep up with human beauty, accompanied by the presentation of the work by Clara Forner Martínez (Santa Teresa Alicante). Rafaela Ava Kastowsky (Jaime Segundo College) for ‘beyond appearance’ and Emma Rico Mezquida (CP Rafael Altamira Alicante) for ‘Eyes take pictures’ were also highlighted. Juan Jose Lobato, coordinator of COMA’s cultural space, and Main Segura, the vice president of the institution, along with sponsors, delivered the awards.
All winning works will be exhibited again at the Alicante Municipal Council Fish Market, at the Municipal Exhibition Hall, on March 31. This date coincides with the opening of the XIII National Competition and the X International Painting Competition Miradas 2023.
More participation and impact
Over 80 works were submitted in this edition, underscoring the value of the arts for young people. Rafael Altamira in Alicante led with 34 drawings, followed by Doctor Pedro Herrero with 20 works by students in special education, and 10 pieces from other centers. Other participating centers included Jaime Segundo, Jesús y María, Juan Bautista Llorca, San Fernando, Santa Teresa, Mar de Estrellas International Montessori School in Alicante, and IE Radio Exterior.
The Jorge Alió Foundation selects the Miradas 2020 competition winners
The event honored the winning works and awarded diplomas from the Jorge Alió Foundation, with El Corte Inglés providing collaboration from the outset. A three-month drawing course, courtesy of La Botica del Arte, complemented the prizes. The banquet and performances by a clown and magician, Eddy, were courtesy of COMA. Belén Estevan and representatives from the Valencia Family Services Foundation contributed to the celebration.
The fourth edition recognized a 900-euro prize, judged by Maryla Dabrowska, artist and coordinator of Miradas Infantil, HE Dr. Juan José Lobato, coordinator of COMA’s cultural space, Loles Guardiola and Juan Antonio Pobla dort, presidents of the Alicante Artists Association, and Maria Lopez Iglesias, President of the Jorge Alió Foundation.
The IV Child Looks Contest is organized by the Jorge Alió Foundation in collaboration with the Alicante City Council. The competition bases are distributed to all participating public, private, subsidized, and compliant education centers across infant, primary, and secondary levels.
The initiative is powered by COMA, Maryla Dabrowska, the Alicante Artists Association, and El Corte Inglés, with support from CONCAPA, Aspanión and the Valencian Community Family Services Foundation, TRSA, ArtyHum, and La Botica del Arte.