The idea behind the contest is simple: a Filipino artist, officially designated as CANVAS Fellow of the Year, is commissioned by CANVAS to create an original, large scale painting. The painting then becomes the “inspiration piece” of a writing competition (in English or Filipino) open to Filipino writers anywhere. The selected winning entry is illustrated as a series of large scale paintings by the same artist and published as a full color children’s book, with the original paintings showcased as a major solo exhibition for the artist.

This year’s winner, announced in April, was Fernando Gonzalez (this was his second time winning the competition), whose story “Mga Huni sa Loob ng Kawayan” was inspired by an untitled oil painting by artist Juanito Torres (details about the 2010 competition will be announced on January 1, 2010 at Looking for Juan, the official blog of CANVAS).

Previous winners include, among others, Palanca awardee Becky Bravo, whose story “The Rocking Horse” was based on a painting by Elmer Borlongan, and Eline Santos, whose “Doll Eyes” was inspired by the work of Joy Mallari.

In 2006, CANVAS partnered with Ang I.N.K. to launch the “Elias Dakila Story Writing Competition,” based on the theme of environment and culture. The winning story, “The Boy Who Touched Heaven,” published in partnership with Adarna House, was written by first time writer Iris Gem Li and illustrated by Sergio (Serj) Bumatay III (see his gallery feature on PaperTigers). The published book went on to win the National Book Awards as the Best Children’s Book of 2008.

Discovering CANVAS and the stories and artwork they help bring to life through the Romeo Forbes and Elias Dakila competitions as well as other projects, has really opened my eyes to the riches of Filipinos writing and creating art for children. I hope it will do the same for you.

My next post about CANVAS will focus on their series of eco fables (of which The Boy Who Touched Heaven is one example). There’s so much to spread the word on in relation to CANVAS that I couldn’t possibly do it all in one post, so… stay tuned!