It was two years ago that the "Álvaro Noboa" II Guayaquil International Painting Biennial received strong criticsm because both Juan Caguana and Saidel Brito student and teacher at the Itae were declared winners while many considered Kate Vrimjmoet , who won third place , as the rightful winner . Nevertheless the Luis A. Noboa Museum is already undergoing preparations to host a third edition of this most prestigious event having already received 10 works from within the country to be assesed by the jury, furthemore , artists from some eleven countries among them Sweden , Italy , Nicaragua , Spain , and Colombia have shown interest in participating .

Irish artist C. Mc Cloud living in Ontario, Canada confirmed attendance on tuesday night. Museum Director Pablo Martinez pointed out that, given the importance attached to ecological matters at present, the Biennial theme will be "The Elements of Nature" in such a way that foreign and local artists will come forward with their very own "green message".

The event is geared toward those young painters who are just getting started .

Seven prizes and seven honourable mentions will be awarded :The "Alvaro Noboa" acquisition grand prize of $10.000 ; the acquisition second prize of $5.000 ; and five acquisition prizes of $1.000 each for surprising, new talent competing in the event, by showing the difference between award-winning works and those rejected in the previous Biennial ,therefore , misgivings were dispelled by Mr.Martinez among artists as to impartial and objective judgment on the part of the jury.

The Director stressed that both winners of the second Biennial enhanced their respective track records while participating in the aforementioned event: Brito won the next-to-last chapter of the Cuenca Biennial and Caguana an award from the Ministry of Culture and the first Machala - June showroom . Now , works will be chosen by a jury made-up of 3 well-renowned artists and 2 foreigners involved in the international art scene- to reconvene on the 5th of March – after undergoing appraisal by Museum curators Jose Landin and Rene Morejon from Cuba. Grand opening is scheduled for April 5th. A turnout of over 1.000 is expected dispersed on all four floors covering an exhibit of some 100 painting selected for the event. A closing party will be hosted featuring 7 musicians both young and well-seasoned performers such as Roberto Viera and the Andaluzia spanish - guitar duet.

At least 300 artists have already inquired as to requirements in order to participate.

I am deeply honored to again have the strength of my work recognized in Latin America.  For the record, I think both Juan Caguana and Saidel Brito do great work as well, and I support the juror’s decision. I remain honored to have been awarded third prize in the II Alvaro Noboa Biennial and to have my Shotgun Accident piece acquired by the museum. -Kate Vrijmoet

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