An artistic view of Gozo

The Salesians of Don Bosco in Malta are holding an art exhibition of paintings entitled Glorious Gozo: Artists Of Our Times in aid of the boys of St Patrick's Salesian School, Sliema, where the Salesians of Don Bosco cater for children in difficulty.

The exhibition, at the Malta Hilton, runs until Friday.

The main aim behind the exhibition is to promote Gozo and to offer both locals and foreigners a taste of the beauty and charm of this island. Another aim is to raise awareness on the need of a contemporary art museum featuring artists who painted Gozo.

Gian Pietro Franceso Agius De Soldanis (1712-1770), in his manuscript Il Gozo, Antico-Moderno, Sacro-Profano, Isola Mediterranea Adiacente A Malta Africana, wrote: "... and this island of Gozo is abundantly fertile and richly adorned, God really singled it out and showered it with his gifts... you have seen it, and you must certainly admit that this is a very favoured island".

The organising committee has selected 80 well-known artists from Malta, Gozo and abroad who submitted a total of 170 paintings. All works are being sold in aid of St Patrick's Salesian School.

A colour catalogue with photos and details of all participating works and artists has been published. The catalogue includes a study by Nicholas De Piro about artists who painted Gozo.