From function to fashion, MCAST students exhibit work

Students, staff and proud parents packed out St James Cavalier Centre for Creativity yesterday morning to celebrate the work of final year students at the Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology.

The event unveiled the exhibition which is set to run until July 27, displaying the final projects of MCAST students in some of the many courses offered by the school. Featuring ceramics, wood, glass, plastics, metal, stone and textiles, the exhibition displays a wide range of pieces ranging from the functional to the fashionable.

The eclectic exhibition is running for the seventh year since the institute was founded in 2001 and will be displaying over 100 projects. Former director Donald Friggieri praised the high quality of the exhibition, congratulating students and staff on their hard work.

This message was reinforced by Paul Attard, president of MCAST's board of governors. He said the exhibition "does justice" to students' hard work and that staff often go "beyond the call of duty" when mentoring students.

Mr Attard outlined the abundance of opportunities offered by the school and acknowledged the fact that it provided an excellent foundation of skills for the many students who go on to study for degrees abroad.

The Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures & Commerce Prize for Best Product 2008 went to 20-year-old product design student Shawn Muscat for his multifaceted display stand.

Delighted by the accolade, he said: "I would like to thank staff at MCAST and my family for their ongoing support".

He is looking forward to studying for an art degree in England where he will travel in September.

MCAST also took the opportunity to announce their new syllabus. From October 2008, the college will be offering BTEC Higher National Diplomas in Fine Arts and Interactive Media in addition to its existing syllabus.

Anyone interested in studying at MCAST should visit the Projects Exhibition which runs between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.

For further information about MCAST courses one may visit Students House, MCAST Main Campus, Paola on Thursday at 9 a.m.