Students' paintings on display

An exhibition of over 100 paintings by Maltese schoolchildren is open at the foyer of the Education Department, Floriana.

It was opened last Friday by Xio Wei Xiang, the director of the Chinese Cultural Centre, and will be running until January 8.

The exhibition was mounted by the Malta China Friendship Society which works closely with the Chinese Cultural Centre in Malta to raise awareness on Chinese culture and to promote friendship between the peoples of both countries.

The exhibition was organised as a sign of gratitude to the children, aged between five and l8, who last summer submitted works in preparation for Malta's participation at the Tianjin International Arts Competition, one of the highlights of the International Arts Festival held by the Menial Government of Tianjin.

The bi-annual International Arts Festival of Tianjin is supported by the Chinese Friendship Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, with which the Malta China Friendship Society is affiliated.

A panel of judges appointed by the Malta China Friendship Society last summer selected seven paintings from over 140 submitted by l2 government and private schools. They were sent to China to compete in the International Arts Festival. One of the paintings, that by l8-year-old Maria Tonna, of Mqabba, was awarded the gold award at the festival. Another painting, by 10-year-old Andy Grech of Swieqi, was awarded the bronze medal.

Most of the paintings submitted by the children depict a message of hope and happiness. "It is befitting that these paintings will be exhibited during this festive season," Reno Calleja, president of the Malta China Friendship Society, said.

Malta's ambassador to China, Saviour Gauci, who is in Malta for the Christmas holidays, attended the opening. Also present was Tony Degiovanni, the Director of Education.