Restored building hosts display of works by 11 artists

An exhibition by 11 artists is being mounted in a 200-year-old restored building in Valletta.

With topics varying from nature, to architecture and from religion to fairytales and anthropology, the artists express their work in different media including ceramics, watercolours, oils, wood, stone and even newspaper.

The building in Old Bakery Street, Valletta, took four years to renovate and restore it to its former glory, including the lengthy process of obtaining a planning permission.

Mathematician and artist Martin Bezzina Wettinger and his sister Stephanie, worked together to ensure that the building retained as many original features as possible. They also managed to add a much-needed lift while preserving the historic beauty of the building.

The exhibition is in celebration of the second anniversary of Il-Bottegin ta' San Martin, an art studio, and spans five floors. Featuring the painting and woodcarvings of owner Mr Bezzina Wettinger, the exhibition also displays paintings by Paul Vella, who specialises in figurative and landscape art.

Stephen Grima is displaying works with themes that include landscapes, construction, abstract and still life. There are also figurative pieces by art teacher Nadine Debattista Briffa. Landscape artist Gilbert Fenech and anthropologist sculptor Kenneth Grima have also contributed.

Matthew Kassar's eye-catching work, which uses newspaper cuttings as a canvas, is on display, as are works by Robert Zahra who studied at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Brera in Italy.

Lino Borg's landscape and figurative oil paintings are also on display together with the work of Sicilian artist Salvatore Montanucci. Often having a mythical theme, many pieces are inspired by the artist's time spent travelling through Arabic countries. The work of Winston Hassall, who runs Studio 47 on nearby Old Mint Street, is also featured.

The exhibition is complemented by a selection of antique prints and furniture, which, along with the contrasts of the exhibition, set off the features of the beautifully-restored building.

The exhibition at 188, Old Bakery Street runs until July 12, Mondays to Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and between 4.30 and 7.15 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.

There may be an opportunity for another exhibition to be held at the atmospheric building before it is let out as offices. Those interested in displaying their works should contact Mr Bezzina Wettinger on 99848934 as soon as possible.