Cozumel Museum Honors Artistic Talent in Nature-Themed Competition

Cozumel, Quintana Roo — The Cozumel Parks and Museums Foundation (FPMC) awarded prizes in the “Maravillas de la Naturaleza 2026” painting competition and opened a collective exhibition featuring 35 works, marking the 39th anniversary of the Museum of the Island. The museum has established itself as a venue for promoting and showcasing artistic talent.

The museum, considered a guardian of Cozumel’s biocultural heritage, opens its doors to both established artists with national and international careers and emerging creators who find their first platform here to share their work with the local community and visitors.

During the ceremony held Wednesday evening, Museum of the Island director Isela Carrillo Cupul, institution advisor Alejandro Queb Franco, and museographer Satoko Kitamura presented awards to participants, highlighting their creativity, sensitivity, and commitment to preserving the natural environment.

Organizers recognized the enthusiasm of all contestants and the quality of the submitted pieces, noting that the competition has become a space that fosters artistic expression, promotes love for nature, and strengthens the cultural identity of the Cozumel community.

José Marcelino Pool Briceño won first place, Daniel Eugenio Acosta Ávila took second, and Joaquín Rodríguez Utrera placed third. Honorable mentions went to Mariana Camacho Ferreiro, Diana Rodríguez, Miguel Ángel Núñez Álvarez, and Addy Bacelis for the quality and originality of their works. The jury, consisting of painters Mayrén Navarrete and Lucio Frías, contributed their expertise in selecting the winning pieces.

FPMC general director Juanita Alonso Marrufo said these activities are part of the New Agreement for Well-being and Development of Quintana Roo, promoted by Governor Mara Lezama Espinosa, which encourages access to culture, community participation, and the creation of more sustainable environments.

The “Maravillas de la Naturaleza 2026” exhibition will remain open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., offering an artistic perspective on the island’s ecological richness in both terrestrial and marine landscapes.