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Waléria Américo is the winner of the 2nd illy SustainArt Brazil Award

The plastic artist Waléria Américo, of Laura Marsiaj Gallery, is the winner of the 2nd illy SustainArt Award Brazil Edition. Dedicated to discovering and supporting emerging talents of the plastic arts and contemporary design, the contest awarded R$ 20.000 to the winning artist. 

The award was held this Wednesday (3), during the ninth edition of the SP Arte — which happens between April 3 and 7, at the Bienal Pavilion in São Paulo, Brazil. The artist was represented by Laura Marsiaj, owner of the gallery, which is located in Rio de Janeiro (RJ). 

During the ceremony, Laura praised the initiative of illycaffè, especially because it awards young artists. "It ends up stimulating young production, which is very rich in Brazil". Waléria Américo (34) was born in Fortaleza (CE) and exhibited her work in the SP Arte. More information about the artist and the Gallery on www.lauramarsiaj.com.br. 

To participate in the illy SustainArt Brazil, the artist must have up to 35 years, be Brazilian or resident in the country for at least two years. 

Alexia Tala – curator of the Gabrado Club of the Museo de la Solidariedad (Chile) – and Marta Mestre – Assistant Curator of the Museum of Modern Art in Rio de Janeiro – were responsible for evaluating the entries and select the winner. One of the purposes of illy SustainArt Award is to narrow the paths between artists and curators from all over the world and strengthen the concept that illycaffè is a company that appreciates and supports the arts. 

About illy SustainArt- The illy SustainArt Award is part of the www.illysustainArt.org project, an online community dedicated to new talents of several developing countries. A showcase for the world of contemporary art that functions as a place of meeting and exchange of cultural reference. 

In addition to the prize, the winner can still be invited to participate in a project of illy Art Collection — collection of cups and cans signed by internationally famous artists and young talents, which this year completes 20 years. 

About illycaffè- Headquartered in Trieste, in Italy, the Italian roaster illycaffè produces and markets a unique blend of espresso coffee under a single brand, leader in production of high quality work. illy products are sold in 140 countries and is available in more than 100 thousand of the best restaurants and coffee shops. The espressamente illy, Italian-style cafes, are present in 30 countries, with more than 230 points of sale. With the goal of spreading the culture of coffee, illycaffè founded the Università del caffè, a training center of excellence that provides theoretical and practical training in all aspects of coffee for coffee growers, coffee shops and beverage lovers. illycaffè employs 800 people around the world and has a consolidated turnover of € 342 million (2011 results).