Graduation, prize day at Malta School of Art

"The School of Art at 'Casa Brunet', 106, Old Bakery Street, has for the last 80 years, exerted a major influence on the fine art scene in Malta. Many living artists, and others, whose memory and value are held in high artistic esteem, began their studies here at the Malta School of Art," Joseph M. Micallef, tutor in-charge of the School of Art, said in his address on graduation and prize day on May 18.

He congratulated the many students who, on their own initiative, took an active part in various artistic activities during the scholastic year. Artistic ventures like the Installation by Jennifer Lonfat and Anton Farrugia at the Radisson SAS Golden Sands at Ghajn Tuffieha during CHOGM last November, the exhibition of sculptures and works on paper by Anton Farrugia and Woitek Brockdorf at Mellieha; the woodcut exhibition by Doreen Buttigieg at the German-Maltese Circle; and Soul and Colour, an exhibition of nude paintings by Alison Camilleri held in Germany with the help of Zabbar council.

In Salzburg last summer, Alison Camilleri, Anabelle Cordina and Joyce Borg attended master classes in expanded drawings at the Art Academy through a Comenius grant. There, they had the opportunity to exhibit their work done at the life classes. Joe Bugeja, a diploma student, showed his fantasy art in an exhibition entitled Immagina at St James Cavalier. Astrid Zammit designed the two Europa 2006 postage stamps issued in May by Maltapost, and Emily Engerer designed the poster for the National Festival of Folk Music.

Anthony Degiovanni, director of Further Studies and Adult Education at the Education Division, presented the Diploma in Fine Arts to Leonard Agius and Martin Bezzina Wettinger (for painting) and to Mary Grace Vella (for sculpture), as well as to all those who obtained the highest marks in their respective classes.

Patrick Chircop was awarded a special prize for making good use of the School of Art's library, whereas Irene Zammit, Robert Schembri and Myriam Darmanin were awarded prizes for progress in printmaking, sculpture and painting respectively. A special prize for keen interest in art was awarded to Japanese student Mari Inuma, and Josephine Cachia received the prize for expressive studies from the life model. The latter prize was sponsored, for the third year, by sculptor Ganni Bonnici, who is president of the school council.

The school council's prize was awarded to Carmelo Vella for his constant assistance to the school. Carol Xuereb was awarded the Director-General's Prize, and Ray Axiaq, a post-diploma student, was awarded the Minister's Prize for his expressive, experimental work in painting.

Mr Micallef praised all prize winners and thanked the distinguished guests, including veteran artist George Fenech, who, along with sculptor Ganni Bonnici, began his artistic studies at the School of Art - an experience shared by most of the present teaching staff, like Joe Casha, Joe Mallia, Alfred Caruana Ruggier, Anton Grech, Tony Sciberras, Alfred Portelli, Carmel Camilleri, Frans Cassar, and Pierre Mifsud.

Guests were treated to poetry by Leslie Vassallo, a short story by Alfred Caruana Ruggier. An IT presentation on the school's history, courses and activities at the school was followed by a reception.

Future activities include talks by local artists, art historians and on related topics like photography and IT.

Open Day on Sunday

The School of Art will be holding an Open Day next Sunday from 9.30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Prospective students will be able to visit the studios where various evening courses are held. These include drawing and painting, life classes, 3D work in plasticine, plaster and clay (including mould-making), sculpture in wood and stone, artistic print making, gold and silversmithing, and gilding. Artistic creativity courses are also being held in the morning. The scholastic year at the Malta School of Art starts in October and ends in June.

The public will be able to view an exhibition of works by six post-diploma students, in the school's foyer. The artists are Martin Borg, Brian Caruana, Margaret Farrugia, Ian Galea, Anthony Spagnol and Ann Marie Zahra.

The school council intends to hold summer art courses for students aged 12 and over at the School of Art, depending on the number of applicants. The courses will consist of 15 lessons during July, August and September on Tuesday and Thursday, either from 9 to 11.30 a.m., or from 5 to 7.30 p.m. There is a registration fee of Lm20 for students aged 12 to 18, and Lm30 for over-18s.

For more information call the School of Art on 2123-4351, between 9 a.m. and noon.