The Gozo College Middle School of Victoria recently inaugurated an art mural, entitled Stejjir… ir-ruħ ta’ Gżira, during the presentation of certificates to students.

The art project follows the Kreattiv programme which brings together creative practitioners and school teachers to work together with students on art projects.

Stejjir… ir-ruħ ta’ Gżira involved Year 7 and Year 8 students. With the help of artist Mario Cassar, the students identify the characteristics of Gozo and the Gozitans. They trailed all over Gozitan villages with the help of experts nominated by local councils. The art teachers worked with the students to create artworks representing the various villages. They worked in clay, wood, papier-mȃché, gesso, polystyrene and stone.

The students got their hands dirty in producing objects such as graffiti which could be found in Qala, l-Għazziela from Żebbuġ and the Azzur Window from San Lawrenz. Even the newly-installed 3D printers were used to produce the Kenuna tower of Nadur.

While the art teachers and students were busy at school, the artist worked out of the school with carpenters to produce units for these artifacts. Alongside these artifacts, drawers were designed by Cassar where prominent Gozitans could store their personal belongings. The mural was set up in the school’s reception hall.

The art project, skilfully coordinated by assistant head Maria Buttigieg, was funded by Arts Council Malta, which provided funds through its Kreattiv programme.

The art project followed another project, entitled Birds on a Wire, which saw the students working with art teachers and artist Austin Camilleri.

The activity was under the patronage of Education director general, Ian Mifsud.