Azorean Handicrafts distinguished at FIA Lisbon with pieces by Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça - Communication

Secretaria Regional da Juventude, Habitação e Emprego

Azorean Handicrafts were once again distinguished at this year’s International Handicraft Exhibition—FIA Lisboa 2026 with pieces by artisans Adolfo Mendonça, Carolina Medeiros and Marina Mendonça.

Ceramicist Adolfo Mendonça, from Terceira Island, was awarded the 1st Prize in “Contemporary Crafts” for his piece “39ºC.” The work is crafted from marine elements characteristic of his art. It is a wake-up call regarding environmental issues, revealing the fragility of ecosystems and highlighting the impact of human activity on nature.

Carolina Medeiros, from São Miguel Island, received an Honourable Mention in the “Contemporary Crafts” category for her piece “SUBT’L Wearable Architecture Necklace.” Its geometric composition in black, white and natural wood creates an interplay of shapes and patterns that highlights a minimalist, contemporary, and architecturally inspired aesthetic.

Marina Mendonça, from Santa Maria Island, was also awarded an Honourable Mention in “Contemporary Crafts” for the “Pote Condessa,” a piece that combines traditional basketry techniques with a contemporary ceramic aesthetic.

“The Government of the Azores congratulates the artisans honoured at FIA. This recognition is well-deserved and a source of great pride for the Azorean people,” stated Maria João Carreiro.

The Regional Secretary for Youth, Housing, and Employment praised a “new generation of artisans willing to embrace authenticity and uphold Azorean craft know-how in their work, infusing it with innovation and raising its profile both nationally and internationally. They are transforming tradition into a source of identity, culture, and economic value.”

Maria João Carreiro also assured the Regional Government’s full commitment to “continue promoting the conditions for craft creation and production,” specifically through the Crafts and Design Centre of the Azores (CADA), a “public service of excellence that works continuously to promote artisans and their craft productions.” 

FIA Lisboa, the largest handicraft exhibition in the Iberian Peninsula, is taking place until Sunday, July 5, at Parque das Nações, and features 10 craft production units registered with CADA.

Azorean craftspeople are exhibiting works featuring figurative ceramics, corn husks, fish scales, "lapinha" (sea-themed) nativity scenes, pottery, textiles, papercraft, and costume jewellery, thereby raising the profile of products certified under the "Azorean Handicrafts" collective brand.