Eden Foundation art exhibition

The Eden Foundation in Gozo is holding its annual collective art exhibition for the tenth consecutive year.

Open till May 1, the exhibition is being held at 104, Republic Street, Victoria, by the Bank of Valletta. The venue is one of Victoria's most prestigious and beautiful old private homes, which was lent to the foundation by its current owners for the exhibition.  

Over 90 established and aspiring artists have displayed a wide range of new works in various media, which will be on sale.

A selection of antique and rustic furniture and collectors' items will also be available.

A share of the proceeds will go the Eden Foundation to help children and adults with developmental disabilities. Last year, over 100 paintings and sculptures, and nearly 100 pieces of furniture, were sold.

The Eden Foundation is a private, non-profit organisation, founded by Dr Josie Muscat in 1992 when his sixth child was born with Down's Syndrome. The foundation believes that everyone, given the right tools and environment, can have a good quality, dignified and independent life.

It provides specialised education, therapy, and support services to children and adults with learning disabilities, to enable them to integrate into school, work and society.  Eden Foundation opened its doors in Malta in 1993 with 23 children, and now caters for nearly 400 individuals from birth to adulthood.

The branch in Gozo opened in 1994 and now provides services to over 25 children and young people.  

A multidisciplinary team of specialists, including speech therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, teachers, social workers, and psychologists monitors and assesses each student and draws up an individual educational programme tailored to the students' and their parents' needs.  

Parents contribute weekly fees, but these cannot cover all the expenses. The foundation holds fund-raising activities throughout the year to help make ends meet.  

Specialised equipment has to be bought and personnel have to be employed and regularly trained to enable every child and young person to reach their full potential.  

With continuous support from Eden, the majority of children integrate into local schools and many adults are found, and hold steady jobs.

The exhibition is open from Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. 6.45 p.m., Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 7.30 p.m. and on Good Friday morning.

Entrance is free but donations to the Eden Foundation would be appreciated.