Tourism ThroughArt Art
Meet the Competition Judges
Gilvano Swasey's artistic journey began at SJC High School and 6th form, studying art from 1989 to 1995. Since 1995, he's devoted himself to a thriving professional art career, excelling in exhibitions, art classes, and workshops, and winning local and international art competitions. Beyond being an accomplished artist, Gilvano curates exhibitions for fellow creators. Art, to Gilvano, is a profound tool for clarifying ideas and aiding marketing, advertising, and micro-business growth His diverse artistic portfolio spans painting, installation, printmaking, video, graphic design, set design, and more. Gilvano serves as a judge in prestigious art competitions, spotlighting local talent and inspiring exploration of Belize's vibrant tourism sector and its interplay with culture and the environment Through his art, he shares his profound understanding of Belizean tourism, enriching his appreciation for this unique landscape.
Ilona Natalie Smiling is a Belizean artist and curator. She holds a BA degree in Criminology from the University of South Florida and an MFA in Cultural Creative Industries and Art Management from Taipei National University of the Arts Currently, she is the Director of the Museum of Belize and Houses of Culture. In this role, she provides leadership in managing exhibits, overseeing museum operations, and actively promoting cultural activities within the Houses of Culture Ms Smiling is also an independent curator, developing and designing content for site-specific organizations.
Kirkland Smith is a prominent art educator and artist with a 24-year career in Belize's art education landscape. He has collaborated with schools, organizations, and institutions, to establish art programs and train teachers in art fundamentals Currently teaching at Itz'at STEAM Academy, Kirkland specializes in high school Visual Arts and CAPE Art and Design. He has also served as an assistant CSEC examiner, chief moderator, verifier for CSEC Visual Arts, and an adjunct lecturer in art education Kirkland founded the Kirkland Smith School of Visual Arts, an after-school program fostering artistic skills and therapeutic art experiences. His work and his students' creations have been showcased locally and internationally. Kirkland passionately believes in art as a powerful means to convey messages related to tourism and green investments
Tourism Through Art Exhibition
A curated selection of artworks in celebration of World Tourism Day 2023
Brought to you by:
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Edwardo Alamilla
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize 59 years old
Our People, Our Landscapes, Our Tourism
The painting captures breathtaking vistas, showcasing the lighthouse and the mesmerizing Great Blue Hole. Prominently featured is the Maya site, a cultural gem drawing tourists to its historical allure The Barrier Reef and mangroves, which are havens for numerous fishes, are also portrayed For sports fishermen, the Grand Slam consists of tarpon, permit, and bonefish At the heart of the composition, a skilled local fisherman delicately removes a single claw from crabs, a sustainable practice ensuring a thriving industry. Serving as an example of how a clean, oil-free reef should be maintained. The artwork also celebrates the untamed splendor of the jungle, unpolluted by airborne contaminants, and features the majestic jaguar, the vibrant macaw, and Belize’s national treasure, the toucan It also pays homage to the nation’s agricultural abundance, depicting the cane industry and a local woman proudly displaying her bountiful harvest from the fertile land.
Acrylic | 24 x 36 inches
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Julia Arzu
Belize City, Belize 25 years old
HealthisWealth
Acrylic | 16 x 20 inches
The painting gracefully captures a scene where a woman peacefully rows down a river, gently floating above a thriving reef A lush mangrove forest serves as a natural buffer between the coast and the majestic mountains This image beautifully illustrates the coexistence of humans and nature, reflecting Belize's commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and precious ecosystems Tourists flock to Belize to immerse themselves in the unspoiled authenticity of both nature and diverse cultures. The country's tourism sector relies heavily on its natural resources and the sheer aesthetic beauty that surrounds it.
Therefore, investment initiatives should prioritize the conservation of these invaluable assets. One promising avenue for such investments is through green bonds. These financial instruments promote projects that combat climate change, including the protection of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Belize's interconnected marine and terrestrial ecosystems offer a myriad of economic, social, cultural, and environmental benefits, ranging from shelter and sustenance to recreation and resource provisioning. Nurturing the health of Belize's ecosystems is an investment that yields wealth in the form of a brighter and more sustainable future.
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
OurHeritage
Abraham Tzib
Cristo Rey Village, Cayo 38 years old
The history of present-day Belize and Central America is a tapestry woven with diverse cultures and millennia of human habitation. It began with the arrival of the Paleo-Indians around 15,000 to 7,000 BC, followed by the Archaic Indians from 7,000 to 2,500 BC These early settlers laid the foundation for what would become the Ancient Maya civilization, which flourished from 2,500 BC The subsequent Colonial period, starting in AD 1524, brought European influences to the region Today, Belize stands as a testament to this rich heritage, offering a captivating blend of ancient Maya archaeological wonders and the cultural legacy left by those who came after. This cultural fusion, with its unique customs and agricultural practices, serves as a vibrant backdrop for Belize's green investments and sustainable development efforts. By preserving our historical treasures and embracing our diverse roots, we attract visitors from around the world, sharing the story of Belize's remarkable journey through time.
Acrylic | 36 x 24 inches
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Kirt Cruz
San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize
45 years old
ProtecttheEarth
Acrylic | 18.5 x 26 inches
As humans, our future must be centered on preserving our precious Earth rather than seeking it in outer space Belize's thriving tourism industry hinges on three core elements: our pristine marine environment, the lush mainland jungles, and the warmth of our people, inheritors of the Maya legacy and creators of unforgettable visitor experiences. In this depiction, the island and reef symbolize the urgency of conserving endangered species and the allure of diving adventures. On the mainland, jungle activities blend seamlessly with our national symbol, the Tapir. A white circle adorned with red dots signifies peace, while the "S" represents our commitment to sustainable practices for nature. The Belize flag's colors proudly unite us, and gold embodies the preservation of our nation and its rich cultures. Ultimately, our entire existence revolves around our Earth. To secure a promising future, we must unwaveringly dedicate ourselves to preserving this invaluable planet.
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Tourism and Green Investments
Anthony Usher Jr.
Belize is a remarkable tapestry of diverse cultures, faces, and races, often referred to as the "melting pot of cultures." Our breathtaking jewel is renowned for its natural wonders, pristine jungles, and lush rainforests. As Christine Amanpour wisely remarked, "Traveling and engaging with people of different and opposing ideas are as crucial as discovering inviting beaches, savoring culinary delights, and exploring iconic landmarks. Her words hold profound meaning. While tourist attractions are designed for visitors to enjoy memorable and affordable vacations, it's essential to recognize that these very visitors contribute significantly to our livelihoods. In a nation blessed with numerous tourist hotspots, prioritizing our guests is both a duty and a privilege. Belizeans are known for their warm hospitality, embracing visitors as part of the family. In this collective embrace, we invest in our precious jewel, nurturing its natural beauty and sustainability. Together, as a united family, we cherish and safeguard our vibrant nation, ensuring it thrives for generations to come.
Benque Viejo, Cayo 24 years old
Acrylic \ 16 x 12 inches
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Grayson Sierra
Placencia, Stann Creek 32 years old
UniquelyBelize
Acrylic | 30 x 30 inches
"Uniquely Belize" is a captivating collection of artistry that weaves together a tapestry of images, inviting viewers to cultivate a deeper appreciation for our cherished homeland. Within these artworks, iconic landscapes like Victoria Peak, Xunantunich, and the Blue Hole take center stage, symbolizing Belize's intrinsic identity Their preservation is not only crucial for our thriving tourism industry but is also a responsibility we bear for the benefit of future generations.
The artworks also shine a spotlight on emerging industries such as solar farms, organic produce farms, and eco-friendly tours powered by renewable energy sources These sustainable initiatives should be encouraged and invested in, aligning Belize with the forefront of green investments Belize, though small in landmass, brims with diverse cultures "Uniquely Belize" underscores the importance of celebrating these distinct cultures, allowing them to showcase their unique music, cuisine, and rich history. Through these creative endeavors, Belize has the opportunity to lead the way in both green investments and the preservation of our natural and cultural heritage, fostering a sustainable and vibrant future.
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Sea Breeze
| 24 x 32 inches
Shantel Carter
29 years old
A representation of a vision for the future of tourism in Belize in which people, wildlife, and our environment bring out the best in each other. Tourism that works alongside local communities. Tourists staying in locally owned lodging while sharing in community with Belizeans across the country. Visitors and locals travel together via electric and low-consumption vehicles. Towns powered by renewable resources like solar and wind farms in a way that is done at the scale of the communities they serve.
Visitors and locals alike are welcomed and participate in our wealth of natural experiences. Tourists stay with locals in their communities to learn about life in Belize and share in their experiences. Conservation of our natural environment and wildlife comes first and foremost with a focus on people as stewards of the environment.
Santa Elena, Cayo
Acrylic
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Manuel Daza
Belmopan, Cayo 67 years old
Belize
Acrylic | 24 X 36 inches
I aim to highlight Belize's exceptional natural values, particularly its diverse flora and fauna, which make our country a global center of ecological diversity. Additionally, I want to emphasize the cultural significance of our ancestral Maya sites, which are vital sources of our cultural identity.
Through my art, I intend to pay tribute to the dedicated guides and staff in Belize's tourism industry, who tirelessly work to preserve and promote our traditions and culture. I hope that my work serves as an inspiration for environmental conservation and the protection of endangered species.
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Preserving our Beauty
Mixed Media | 30 x 24 inches
Western Pines, Belize 36 years old
Sustainable tourism focuses on highlighting all the positive attributes that the country has to offer Sustainable development depends on Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle which is the foundation of my mixed media art which has the reuse symbol at the center of the famous Blue Hole. Advocating for the protection of marine life. The Blue Hole is painted on an eco-friendly jute fiber rope intricately sewn to the attached. It is bordered by a three-dimensional Maya calendar and our famous Xunantunich Maya temple which depicts rich culture and history. While we strive to protect our natural habitat and conserve our wildlife, tourists get to bask in the sunshine while getting the chance to experience our unique cultures such as the Garifuna and Jankunu dance.
Maureen Navarete
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
National Garden of Tourism: Growing the
Acrylic | 36 X 24 inches
Future
Keion Griffith
Belize City, Belize 26 years old
In this captivating acrylic painting, titled "National Garden of Tourism: Growing the Future," a compelling narrative unfolds This artwork masterfully portrays the convergence of cultural diversity and unity, shaping the path forward for Belize's tourism. The backdrop of the iconic Maya temple, Caracol, sets the stage. Belize's diverse cultural tapestry takes on the roles of gardeners and landscapers, combining their talents to craft a lush garden mirroring the map of Belize. From each district, vibrant and meticulously groomed hedges emerge, collectively spelling out the word "FUTURE." This symbolic representation underscores the shared responsibility of all Belizeans to safeguard our natural resources and enhance our appeal as a tourist paradise. The painting is a harmonious celebration of both culture and nature, showcasing how unity amid diversity serves as the fundamental formula for growth within the tourism industry. It's a testament to Belize's potential to flourish by embracing its rich heritage and the beauty of its environment.
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Anton Leslie
Placencia, Stann Creek 47 years old
BeautifulBelize
Acrylic | 24 X 31.5 inches
Beautiful Belize is a collage of Belizean vibes representing culture, beauty, and sustainability The drummer represents the Garifuna culture The Maya glyphs represent the Maya culture, resources, and beauty. The birds represent a healthy forest, beauty, and sustainability. The child represents the future by holding up a deep water snapper, which represents sustainability in encouraging a deep drop instead of a reef drop. This way the reef has a chance to sustain itself for generations. The Blue Hole represents our natural resources and our barrier reef. The sailboat and sunrise represent the tranquil way of life
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
The Jewel
Placencia, Stann Creek 34 years old
I took inspiration from the Belize flag The red borders are replaced by red sunsets and jungle silhouettes The blue areas on the flag, I thought, what better way to depict Belize’s vast marine life which is a very important tourism product? I incorporated the abundant marine life and sustainable tourism activities for the white center of the flag. I also depicted some of the cultural elements of Belize through its beautiful people.
Omar Sierra
Acrylic | 24 x 16 inches
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Pablo Cambranes
San Ignacio, Cayo 27 years old
Floreo
Acrylic | 24 X 36 inches
“Floreo” intertwines the rich heritage of Belize’s coat of arms with the progressive theme of “Tourism and Green Investments”. This painting goes beyond tradition, replacing the two logwood cuttters with a vibrant community tending to lush agricultural lands. The scene embodies the harmonious relationship between society and sustainable practice, illustrating how green investments in farming lead to the preservation of Belize’s pristine nature.
In “Floreo”, the farmers represent the heart of Belize, working collectively to cultivate the land and ensure its vitality. The fields yield not only crops but also opportunities for the local community to prosper. The lush, thriving landscape entices tourists to explore nature through hiking trails and immersive experiences, fostering a sustainable tourism industry that benefits both people and the planet This artwork demonstrates the power of strategic investments that drive positive change in Belize, promoting prosperity, environmental stewardship, and a brighter future for all
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Canvas of Conscious Travel
Leandra Dobson
Belize City, Belize 21 years old
This captivating painting beautifully encapsulates the harmony of Belize's landscapes, seamlessly merging eco-friendly travel with tourism and green investments Vibrant and rich hues breathe life into the lush forests, intricate caves, diverse cultures, and the vibrant oceans of this Central American gem At the heart of the canvas, conscious travelers embark on journeys infused with eco-awareness, leaving behind only footprints as they explore ancient sites, support local artisans, birdwatch in pristine rainforests, tube down winding rivers, or snorkel in the midst of coral gardens. These responsible actions not only preserve the environment but also contribute to the well-being of Belize's people and prosperity, fostering livelihoods, education, and a thriving economy. The artwork serves as a powerful reminder, urging viewers to admire Belize's natural beauty and inspiring mindful travel that respects both local rules and the delicate balance of nature It's a celebration of enjoying oneself while actively participating in the creation of a brighter, more sustainable future
Acrylic | 16 x 20 inches
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Paul the Painter
San Ignacio, Cayo
52 years old
BelizeablyBalanced
Acrylic | 24 X 36 inches
This painting represents what my mind envisioned when I think of Belize and eco-tourism
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Greenheart Peak
Shantay Torres
Santa Elena, Cayo 20 years old
I have always been passionate about preserving and protecting the environment Despite some believing that doing so will result in less financial gain My art expresses that we can do both in Belize protect the environment while benefitting our economy My art showcases people throwing money in the air, those people represent the people of Belize. As they throw the money, you may watch it fall into the word 'Tourism' situated around Belize's Maya site, fauna, caves, Great Blue Hole, sustainable resorts, and everything else that brings tourists to our gem. The money that is falling represents a green investment into sustainable things in tourism and our economy. Also, the people are standing on the SDG meaning this investment all contributes to sustainable development. Finally, there is an individual who resembles leaves. You can see these men holding and putting the word "tourism" together to illustrate that the environment is at the heart of ‘tourism in Belize’ and the environment and sustainability are the keys to growing tourism in Belize
Acrylic | 31 x 24 inches
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Yorleni Ricalde
Buena Vista, Corozal 31 years old
Tourism and Green Investments
Mixed Media | 19 x 28 inches
This art piece highlights the importance of the support of the natural environment It shows a family trying their best to survive in a place of too much pollution, climate change, and political climate change, and adding to it comes a lot of destruction to our home, Belize.
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Marvin Vernon
Ladyville, Belize 28 years old
Journey to Paradise
Acrylic | 24 x 36 inches
This painting depicts a dreamlike vision of the many adventures one can have in Belize as a tourist. Land, sea, air, underwater, island, on the coast, and deep within the heart of the country, anywhere you go there is something awesome waiting for you Rather than showing one single environment, many different places or “dreams” are shown which transition into one another to form a combined vision. Each dream is meant to represent a different aspect of tourism (adventure, culture, culinary, wildlife, sustainability, etc.) and highlight the concept of “traveling” itself. The painting features tourist destinations, plants, and animals, that tourists may encounter, such as the Maya sites, mangroves, coconut trees, nurse sharks, sting rays, and scarlet macaw It also shows various modes of travel that are commonly used to go from destination to destination
BelizeTourismthroughArt:ArtistFeature
Rony Jobel
San Ignacio, Belize 33 years old
Seeing is BELIZE-ing
Acrylic | 20 x 28 inches
“Nature has blessed thee with wealth untold,” these immortal words from our national anthem was the inspiration for this painting. Belize truly is divinely favored with iconic species such as the jaguar, scarlet macaw, green sea turtle, and a menagerie of fauna We must not forget our landscapes and none more famous than the Great Blue Hole These elements combined with my signature style of paintings, often portraying emotion through the eyes. These eyes which are the portals to one’s private thoughts is what you “see” before you. As a people we should take pride in protecting our wealth untold” for future development and generations. After all!? What do you think our guests want to “see”?
Thank You to Our Sponsors
Belize Tourism through Art Competition & Exhibition
The Belize Tourism through Art Exhibition commemorates World Tourism Day, celebrated globally on September 27th. In celebration of World Tourism Day 2023, the Belize Tourism Board launched the Belize Tourism through Art Competition in August and invited artists to create captivating masterpieces reflecting the global theme for World Tourism Day: "Tourism and Green Investments." This theme called for investments in three key areas: people, planet, and prosperity. The competition was envisioned as an opportunity for artists to showcase Belize's cultural richness, breathtaking landscapes, and unwavering commitment to sustainability through the unique creativity, talent, and interpretation that art offers. Artists used various mediums, including oil, acrylic, and mixed media.
Forty individuals from across Belize participated in the competition. Artworks were independently scored by three judges, who evaluated them based on the interpretation of the theme, artistic technique and creativity, visual impact and composition, color usage, originality, and the ability to captivate and inspire. Ultimately, Mr. Edwardo Alamilla's piece titled "Our People, Our Landscapes, Our Team" unanimously emerged as the winning entry.
As a platform to showcase the diverse talent, creativity, time, and dedication of participating artists, an exhibition was curated to display the artworks of the top twenty artists. These pieces provide just a glimpse into the impressive talents showcased throughout the competition.
We also take this opportunity to extend our sincere gratitude to our hotel partners who eagerly and generously contributed additional prizes for the top ten artists: Chabil Mar, Muy Ono Resorts (Hopkins Bay Resort), Blu Zen, San Ignacio Resort Hotel, The Belize Collection (Rainforest Lodge at Sleeping Giant and Jaguar Reef), El Ben Cabañas, Island Magic Resort, Sunset Caribe, and Chaa Creek. We are also appreciative of the Insitute of Creative Arts for partnering with us on the exhibit, to the judges who took the time to be a part of the competition, and to Curator, Gilvano Swasey.