CERAMIC CRAFTS
Winner: Javier Wijnants Saráchaga (Uruguay); Work: “Toros”.
Javier Wijnants Saráchaga teaches courses and conducts research studies on ceramics in his workshop “Naceres.” He is also in charge of the Optional Seminar on Ceramics in the Technical Degree in Arts at the Faculty of Arts of the Eastern Regional University Center (Rocha campus). He obtained the 1st National Crafts Award 2023 of Uruguay, and in 2024 he also received the Award of Excellence.
He continues perfecting his technique, having already been selected twice to participate in the Artistic Residency in Jingdezhen (China), home to the prestigious Jingdezhen Ceramic University.
TEXTILE CRAFTS
Winner: Angélica Reyes (Santiago Villa de Allende, Mexico); Work: “Cotton muslin embroidered blouse”.
Her mother taught her to embroider when she was six years old. The embroidery technique she uses belongs to the Mazahua culture of the community of San Felipe, Santiago (Mexico), and has been passed down from generation to generation for millennia.
Angélica Reyes has received more than 30 awards at local, national, and Ibero-American levels. She finds in embroidery the possibility of expressing nature and her emotions.
METAL CRAFTS
Winner: Juan Cuneo (Argentina); Work: “Mate del viento”.
He learned the craft from his parents, who were also silversmith artisans. He later trained at Emilio Patarca’s School of Silversmithing for five years. He is currently a professor in the Silversmithing program at the Municipal School of Crafts in Trelew.
He has received several awards and recognitions at provincial and national levels, including those granted by the Celestina Currimilla Salon in Rawson (Chubut, Argentina) and the National Arts Fund, among others from the municipality of Berazategui.
METAL CRAFTS
Winner: Juan Carlos Benítez Juárez (Mexico); Work: “Necklace”.
He has been honored by various silversmithing organizations in Mexico at local, national, and international levels, including winning the International Jewelry Competition in the Bee 2 Imaginarium.
He shares his knowledge through workshops, conferences, and discussion panels in university forums and jewelry schools in Mexico.
His training dates back to childhood, when he worked as an assistant in local silversmithing workshops.
