Art students praised for their talent

Three students from the School of Art in Valletta have represented their school at the fifth meeting of the Schools of Art of the Mediterranean, in Genoa, organised by the Exchanges Culturels en Mediterranée.

The school was invited to take part by secretary general O.B. Belli and various activities were held in collaboration with the Accademia di Belle Arti of Genoa, the current cultural capital of Europe.

Diploma students Joanna Boldarini and Astrid Zammit and post-diploma student Joseph Fiteni attended lectures, took part in workshops and discussions and exhibited one painting each on the theme The Human Condition in the Mediterranean.

In a letter to Joseph Micallef, the new head of their school, the director of the Accademia Linguistica di Belle Arti of Genoa, Emilia Marasco, praised the three students for their professional preparation provided by the School of Art and for their talent, evident in their works.

Ms Boldarini is in her second year and Ms Zammit in her final year of studies. Mr Fiteni obtained his diploma in fine arts earlier this year. He was awarded First Diploma Prize and the Minister's Prize for outstanding creative work in painting.

On that occasion prizes and certificates were presented by Education Minister Louis Galea to meritorious students in all courses held at the school. Special prizes included one for service to the school and for making good use of the school's ever-expanding library.

Sculptor Ganni Bonnici, the school council president, donated the special prize for "expressive work from the life model" to final year diploma student Gordon Miller. The director general's prize was awarded to diploma holder Michael Mallia for his fine work in portrait studies.

The occasion brought to the fore the students' talent through a representative exhibition of works and colourful performances in music, poetry, drama and other areas of the expressive arts.

Three poems by outgoing head Alfred Caruana Ruggier were read by Alfred Mallia, assistant director of education.

Participants thanked Joyce Pullicino, who recently retired as director of the department of further studies and adult education, a post recently taken over by Anthony Degiovanni, who had previously taught at and directed the School of Art.

Courses at the school are held in the evenings between October and June. The courses are in foundation studies, fine art, sculpture 3D, wood and stone sculpture, gold and silversmithing, history and appreciation of art, printmaking and gilding and artistic creativity (in the mornings).

An open day will be held at the school in Casa Brunet, 106, Old Bakery Street, Valletta on June 20 between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.