The announcement was made during the visit of the provincial president, Marta Barrachina, to the artist's residence and workshop in Mas de Flors. This decision highlights Ripollés' artistic career, which has achieved national and international recognition, and his contribution to the cultural image of the province of Castellón through painting and sculpture.
“"With this distinction, we want to highlight the figure of Ripollés and his unique artistic style, which has contributed to projecting the name of Castellón internationally."
Juan García Ripollés began his career at the Francisco Ribalta School of Arts and Crafts in Castellón. After moving to Paris in 1954 and working as a wall painter, the Drouand David gallery discovered his talent in 1958, marking the beginning of his international projection. In 1963, he returned to Spain, settled in Seville, and finally, in 1972, established himself in Castellón, where he has resided in Mas de Flors since 2010.
His work, especially his sculptures, is present in cities across several continents and utilizes a wide variety of materials such as ceramics, iron, bronze, resin, and Murano glass. He also masters painting techniques like gouache, Chinese ink, and acrylic. Among his previous recognitions are the Arts Award of the Valencian Community (2000), the Gold Insignia of Alzira (2005), the Distinction for Cultural Merit from the Generalitat (2008), and his appointment as an adopted son of Sant Joan de Moró (2013).
President Barrachina has indicated that this is the first announcement related to Provincial Day 2026, a celebration that will continue to be held in various municipalities throughout the territory, following the model of previous editions such as those in Tírig and Aín.
