Tuesday, 1st December 2009

The art of generosity

Auction in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund

Lisa Gwen Baldacchino

Andrew Micallef showing one of his works to President George Abela and Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Mario de Marco (right). Photos: Chris Sant Fournier.

The Auberge d'Italie in Valletta will be acting as viewing gallery for an upcoming auction of fine art in the coming days organised in aid of the Malta Community Chest Fund.

The wide and airy corridors of the imposing auberge are hosting as many as 36 paintings, four sculptures and even a number of objets d'arts for the auction inaugurated yesterday by President George Abela and organising committee chairman Pascal Demajo.

Dr Abela praised the outright generosity of artists and donors whose "noble gesture", in the name of a good and worthy cause, could make such an event possible.

Event coordinator Christine Mercieca explained how the organising committee for this year's exhibition, culminating in the annual L-Istrina fundraiser on Boxing Day, strived to maintain quality and high standards.

There is quite a decent cross section of works by contemporary local and foreign artists living or working in Malta, among them George Large, Laurent Muller, Harry Alden, Isabelle Borg, Paul Haber, Raymond Pitré, Celia Borg Cardona, Debbie Caruana Dingli, Antoine Paul Camilleri, Kenneth Zammit Tabona, Don Heywood, Madeleine Gera, Mary de Piro, and Patrick Dalli.

Potential bidders will be spoilt for choice, yet should the fine art works not be particularly up their alley, there are also a number of antique pieces on show.

These include an English silver card case, silver coins dating to Roman Emperor Domitian's period (AD 81-96) and a gold coin dating to the Ottoman Empire, donated by Emmanuel Azzopardi.

There is also a pair of ornate silver wine bottle coasters, donated by Victor Azzopardi Jewellers and a handsome Jaeger Le Coultre ladies' wristwatch donated by Diamonds International.

The exhibition of works will be open during office hours till Friday, all morning on December 8 and all day on December 9.

The works will then be moved to San Anton Palace, Attard, where the auction will be held on the evening of December 11.

The auction will be conducted by Joseph Sammut of Belgravia Auction Gallery.

All those who would like to attend the auction can book a seat at San Anton from the MCCF offices, the Palace, Valletta. For more information call on 2123 1350 or contact Ms Mercieca on 9987 4068.