VIGAN CITY, Ilocos Sur (PIA) – Candon City in Ilocos Sur kicked off its first-ever art fair on April 9, coinciding with the week-long celebration of the Tobacco Festival 2024. 

This initiative highlights Candon's cultural heritage and fosters connections with local artists and art organizations.

The art fair serves a dual purpose: promoting Candon's culture and providing a platform for local artists to showcase their skills and crafts. 

It also marks the beginning of future collaborations between various stakeholders in the city, according to Mayor Eric Singson.

"This is just the start of something bigger. We hope this art fair will give aspiring young artists a platform to develop their talents and potentially pursue art as a career. They can hone their skills while contributing to the promotion of Candon's rich culture," Singson said.

Singson also announced the opening of a second museum in the city, located at the Dario Heritage House in the eastern Poblacion area. 

"The museum will showcase various paintings and other cultural artifacts for preservation. This won't compete with the existing Candon City Museum; instead, it will complement it. We aim to preserve more heritage houses and encourage owners to come forward if they need assistance," he explained.

The art fair, held at the City Plaza from April 9 to 15, featured works by 106 local artists. 

The competition categories included painting on ‘bilao’ (winnowing basket), ‘pa-id’ (hand fan) for both junior and open levels, handbags, and sling bags for participating schools. 

The artworks were displayed on handmade crafts created by Candon residents.

On Friday, April 12, winners were announced. 

Crisant Lee Galdones (Barangay Parioc 1st) bagged first place for the bilao category. 

Jhay Bryant Cayat (Barangay Patpata 1st) and Don Julio Agosto from the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) in Vigan City won first place in the junior and open categories for pa-id, respectively.

Glen Lesther Buenafe (UNP) emerged victorious in the handbag category, while Dexter Raguindin from Ilocos Sur Polytechnic State College (ISPSC)-Main Campus claimed the top spot for sling bags.

Mark James Valdez, a participant from ISPSC-Main Campus who secured second place in the handbag category, shared his thoughts on the event. 

"The art fair allows us to develop our creativity and express messages or emotions through our artwork," he said.

Beyond the competitions, the event provided a platform for local artists and artisans to showcase their products. 

Visitors enjoyed displays of crochet crafts, art exhibits, hand-carved soaps, face painting, and even live digital art performances.

This inaugural art fair demonstrates Candon City's commitment to fostering its unique cultural identity and nurturing the talents of its local artists. (JCR/AMB/JMCQ/RGG/PIA llocos Sur)