Cultural diary: Talking rocks help the SPCA

Did you know that rocks talk? They do according to local French artist, Zoe Chomarat, who is holding an exhibition and sale of works starting today and proceeding until Wednesday.

The event, in aid of the SPCA, is taking place at the Knights of Malta Embassy in Valletta.

"My paintings are inspired by the rocks in Malta and the Mediterranean," says Ms Chomarat, "I have always been moved by the beauty and infinite variety of rocks which have been sculptured by the sea and wind. In summer I sketch, in winter my brushes give life and colour to the sketches".

This is her third exhibition in six years. What started as a hobby has now developed into a passion and she is now a professional artist whose paintings are sold worldwide.

Her anticipated exhibition is in aid of the SPCA, whose homing centre is found in Floriana. Last year the SPCA re-homed 364 dogs and cats, all of whom were strays or abandoned. The animals are nursed back to health, neutered, chipped, inoculated and then found loving homes in Malta.

Malta's rubble walls are the subject of many of Ms Chomarat's paintings, which are varied in size and content. Her paintings of the rubble walls cover her favourite period in Malta's history, the Knights of St John.

Barbara Cassar Torregiani, president of the SPCA, who is an art lover said "We are delighted that Zoe is having this exhibition and sale in aid of the SPCA. The paintings... are beautiful and will be of interest to art collectors and will suit most people's taste in art.

"Monies raised will make a huge difference to the welfare of the animals in our care at the SPCA homing centre. We will also be able to continue with our educational project, where, along with The Dogs Trust, we are running workshops to educate our future generation of the welfare of animals." said Ms Cassar Torregiani.

My other passion is animals," said Ms Chomarat, "I very much admire the work of the SPCA... and I wanted to help make the lives of these cats and dogs even better".

The exhibition and sale starts today from 9 a.m.to 5 p.m. Proceeds raised from the art sale will support the lives and help feed the dogs and cats in the SPCA homing centre.

Visual Arts

Ends today

For the Love of Art

A collective exhibition of unique art pieces, including oil paintings, sculptures, mixed media and photography, from prominent local and international artists is showing at Opus 64 Galerie, Tigné Street, Sliema.

Till March 14

Upon Arrival: Spatial Exploration

This exhibition by Austrian artists investigates architectural and social spaces. Curated by Margit Neuhold, works by Veronika Hauer, Nikola Hansalik, Nicole Six and Paul Petritsch, Andreas Heller, Sabine Bitter and Helmut Weber, Michael Gumhold and Gerald Straub. Showing at the upper galleries, St James Cavalier, Valletta.

Till March 21

Fragments of Tibet

A photographic exhibition by Aaron Micallef is being held at the Malta Maritime Museum, Vittorios. This event promotes Tibetan art and culture through 38 photographic exhibits and seven rare thangka paintings.

Till March 21

Contemporary Districts#2: TEL AVIV

Photographer Giovanni De Angelis presents Tel Aviv, Israel from the great metropolis of contradictions as the city celebrates its 100 years of political and religious upheaval. Showing at the main hall of St James Cavalier, Valletta.

Till March 28

Exhibition by Audrey Torrero

Audrey Torrero is showing a series of works at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta. Opening hours: Monday to Friday between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 4 till 7 p.m. Saturday between 10 a.m. and noon.

Till March 28

Nocturnes

Mark Sagona is exhibiting a series of recent paintings at Le Merdien, St Julians.

Till March 31

Cosmic Art

An exhibition of works by artists Lilika Papanicolaou and "Turo" Arthur Rizzo is currently showing at Assaggi Restaurant, Qaliet Street, St Julians.

Till April 2

A Language Within

Gozitan artist John Grima is exhibiting a series of painting at the Auberge d'Italie, Merchants Street, Valletta.

Till April 4

Dreams and Visions

An exhibition of painted ceramics by Vincent Camilleri is showing at the Heritage Malta Head Office, Valletta. Open Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. (Last admission at 4 p.m.)

Till April 25

Creative Impulse

Jackie Micallef is exhibiting a series of works at the Art Academy, Constitution Street, Mosta. The exhibition is open Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. and 4 till 7 p.m.; Saturdays between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Performing Arts

Today, tomorrow and Sunday, March 19-21

Paintings by Numbers

A comedy by Simon Mawdsley, produced by Masquerade and directed by Anthony Bezzina. The cast includes Malcolm Galea, Alan Paris, Paul Portelli and Edward Degaetano. In this hilarious but uncompromising comedy, four prison inmates await the arrival of an art teacher from the local college, but when she fails to arrive they endeavour to teach themselves how to paint. Their "journey of creation" takes them on a collision course with the prison authorities, and with each other. Doors are opened and imaginations run riot - and that's when their problems really start. Showing at St James Cavalier, Valletta, shows start at 8 p.m.

Tomorrow and Sunday

B'Tifkira Tiegħi

The Senglea Drama group is organising a passion play at the Catholic Action headquarters in Senglea. For bookings call 2180 9386 or 7944 9812.

Music/Concerts

Sunday

Meet the composer

Featuring Freddie Mizzi. Organised by members of the St James Consort under the direction of Sarah Spiteri. The concert will take place St Catherine of Italy Church, Valletta at 11 a.m.

March 17

Performers' Platform Concert Series

Featuring Jacob Portelli on the violin. The programme includes works by Schumann and Grieg. Produced by St James Cavalier, the concert will take place in the music room, St James Cavalier, Valletta at 12.35 p.m.

March 17, 19

BOV Opera Festival

The Manoel Theatre features its own opera production including some of Malta's top singers and the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Brian Schembri. This will be a double-bill opera night consisting of Aleko by Rachmaninov and Il Cambiale di Matrimonio by Rossini. The performance starts at 7.30 p.m.

Talks, tours and other

Sunday

Conference: Sicilian Cuisine

A journey through the history and traditions of Sicilian cuisine. The conference will be conducted by Marcella Croce, journalist, author and lecturer. Admission to the conference is free of charge. The conference will be followed by a dinner prepared by Chef Francesco Calore in the hall L'Ortolano within the hotel itself. For information and dinner reservations call the Kempinski Hotel on 2211 0000

Today, tomorrow and Sunday

Is-Sagra ta' San Girgor: Tradizzjoni Ħajja

A cultural festival organised by Kerċem local council. The festival revives the traditions and history of the oldest celebrations in Gozo related to the feast of St Gregory the Great, including religious celebrations, concerts, guided tours and traditional food.

Sunday

Alarme

This military re-enactment portrays the historic and turbulent tenure of Malta by the French troops, following Napoleon's landing and conquest of Malta (1798 - 1800). The story recounts the landing of the French troops - the subsequent administration of the Maltese islands by the new Republican government - the rebellion of the Maltese that led to the blockade of the French troops inside the harbour towns - the surrender of the French troops at the hands of the British. Taking place at Fort St Elmo at 11 a.m.

March 18

A Glance at the History of Art

Fr Marius Zerafa will be delivering a lecture at the Italian Cultural Institute, Valletta at 6 p.m. This opening lecture of the new series intends to convey to participants the basic elements which help to face a broader study of this subject.

March 19

Musical-literary evening

Forming part of Jum iż-Żejtun organised by the Żejtun local council. During this special event, extracts by authors who took part in the literary competition will be read. This will be followed by the distribution of certificates and prizes to the three winners as well as musical intervals. The climax of the evening will be the awarding of Gieħ iż-Żejtun.