“Drawing is the true test of art”
Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres 1780-1867
Background
Fernando Montes, a prominent artistic personality of his country, was born in La Paz, Bolivia in 1930 and died in London on the 17th January 2007.
The Fernando Montes Art Fund was created in his memory by the Fernando Montes Estate with the help of generous donations from several friends. It is run by his wife, Marcela and his son and daughter Juan Enrique and Sarita. The Bolivian Committee of the fund comprises Mrs Isabel Crespo, and Mrs Claudia Hurtado, directors of the Galeria Alternativa, Centro de Arte and Mr. Hugo Montes.
Aims of the fund
The Fund was established to respond to Fernando’s concern about the difficulties that young artists face in Bolivia at the start of their careers and his wish for a greater emphasis to be placed on the teaching of drawing in the development of artists everywhere.
The Fernando Montes
Art Fund
Art Fund
Activities of the Fund
The first task the fund undertook (in 2007) was to redesign and refurbish the gallery at the Fine Arts Academy (Academia Nacional de Bellas Artes “Hernando Siles”) in La Paz, Bolivia. The new gallery was inaugurated on 20th June with an exhibition of the best final year students in painting, sculpture, drawing and printmaking. The Academy has now a large, well-lit space where young artists can show their work to the public.
The principal on-going activity of the Fund in Bolivia is a national prize in drawing, bearing Fernando’s name. This annual award is open to young Bolivian artists (35 and under). The finalists are given the opportunity to exhibit their work in CHROMA Galleria de Arte, Calle Gabriel René Moreno L19 esq. Jaime Mendoza, San Miguel, La Paz, a prestigious gallery in La Paz, and their work is reproduced in a catalogue. A jury, formed by eminent established Bolivian artists and representatives of the Bolivian art community selects the winners. The Fund gives two cash prizes and three diplomas.
The first task the fund undertook (in 2007) was to redesign and refurbish the gallery at the Fine Arts Academy (Academia Nacional de Bellas Artes “Hernando Siles”) in La Paz, Bolivia. The new gallery was inaugurated on 20th June with an exhibition of the best final year students in painting, sculpture, drawing and printmaking. The Academy has now a large, well-
The principal on-
The project is run with the cooperation of the Directors of CHROMA Galleria de Arte and SOLYDES, sponsors of the catalogue.
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