Maltese artist in Washington

On June 4 Charles Cassar was in Washington, DC, representing Malta in the European Artists Exhibition held at the Italian Embassy to mark the signing of the EU Accession Treaty in Athens.

Mr Cassar was invited by the Maltese Embassy in Washington to be present for the opening night reception for European artists.

Mr Cassar took one painting along with him to America. The work, entitled Vaguely Tarxien, is inspired by Malta's architectural heritage. It was on show at the reception at the Italian Embassy. In his introductory speech, the Italian ambassador singled out Mr Cassar and his high quality work. He was the only artist to be cited.

During his week's stay in the United States, Mr Cassar also displayed his work at the Riggs Bank and at the Hilton Hotel in Embassy Row, where a reception in his honour was given jointly by the Maltese Embassy and Riggs Bank. It was a unique opportunity for him to meet old acquaintances like Bruce Laingen, who was American Ambassador to Malta in the Seventies (and later US chargé d'affaires in Tehran during the 444-day hostage crisis at the embassy) and Mrs Laingen, and Malta's Ambassador to Brazil, Dr Albert Borg Olivier de Puget.

The artist wishes expressed his gratitude to Ambassador John Lowell who is doing his utmost to promote Maltese talent in Washington, and to Mrs Lowell for her hospitality and charm.

The deputy chief of mission, Alfred Farrugia, was instrumental in organising Mr Cassar's memorable stay in Washington.

In September the artist will also be holding another exhibition of his very recent works in Locri, Calabria.