The Salesians of Don Bosco in Malta are holding a grand sale of fine selection of Sicilian ceramics and cribs from Caltagirone, together with items of antique furniture. The sale is open daily between 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. until Sunday at St Patrick's Salesian School, St John Bosco Street, Sliema. All proceeds will go towards the boys of St Patrick's Salesian School. Parking is available in the school grounds.
This a unique opportunity to buy Christmas presents with a difference while contributing to a just cause.
The master of ceramic art Mario Di Liberto began his apprenticeship as a young man, working in the pottery workshops of famous masters of the art in Caltagirone. He continued his studies at the Istituto Statale D'Arte per la Ceramica in Caltagirone, founded by Don Luigi Struzo. Here he received the diploma of Master of Arts and that of Theory of Arts. Finally, he specialised in ceramic restoration.
For the last 30 years he has been working at his ceramic workshop in Caltagirone. All along he has been awarded several prizes at art and ceramic exhibitions. Many of his works are to be found in exhibitions and private collections as well as in public and ecclesiastical buildings. At present, his art works are for sale at the Mostra Mercato Permanente di Caltagirone. Occasionally, he gives lectures on ceramics at scholastic institutions.
The ceramics in Caltagirone originated in mediaeval times. This can be proved by the various fragments of pottery discovered in these locations. The ceramics of Caltagirone highlight a unique personality in style and decorative beauty, known as the best produced in Sicily, but different from that of Sciacca and Santo Stefano di Camastra, both in Sicily.
Various historians refer to Malta because the Order of the Knights of Malta used to order their ceramics from Caltagirone. These mainly included decorative vases for medical use. Various vases that originated from Caltagirone can be found in museums and palaces in Malta. Today in Caltagirone one can find various workshops of famous ceramic artists and there are whole families who dedicate their life to artistic ceramics and offer a valid attraction to tourists and visitors.