Karmen Azzopardi receiving the Gold Medal from HE Dr George Abela, President of the Republic FOCUS February 2010 - Issue no13 Magazine of the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce, Palazzo de La Salle, 219, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 1116 Sean Camilleri receiving the Silver Palette Trophy from Mr Joseph J. Mifsud, President of the Society Tel: 21244400 21244339 - www.artsmalta.org - info@artsmalta.org
Editorial Editorial Members frequenting Palazzo de La Salle, the seat of the Society, must have noticed the restoration work being carried out at the premises. Back in 2007 the Society submitted a request to the Government for funds needed for capital works concerning the façade of the building which required restoration of deteriorated masonry and replacement of several damaged stonework located throughout the building, particularly the façade of St Nicholas Street. The Ministry of Finance approved our request and provided the necessary funds for the purpose. Indeed it was not possible to take in hand the project related to the restoration of the wall paintings of (what is now known as ) the Sala dei Cavalieri before the outer walls were repaired. Work on the outside walls is now nearing completion which besides avoiding further deterioration of the stone work it prevents rainwater infiltration which in the past caused damage to the painting scheme of the Sala dei Cavalieri. In the meantime work commenced on the repair of the roof membrane to ensure that no rainwater seeps into the upper rooms of the Palace. The next project actively pursued concerns the rehabilitation of the courtyard. The contribution made by the Restoration Unit of the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs was vital and without their co-operation this project would not have seen the light of day. Indeed d the Restoration Unit agreed to take in hand the compilation of the tender specifications and documents needed for the restoration of the courtyard, the roofing of the same courtyard with lightweight and openable canopy and new lighting system and paving for the courtyard. rd. As the rehabilitation of Palazzo de La Salle was in progress, the idea of covering the courtyard with an openable metal and glass structure was intensely considered by the Society s Council. Indeed when funds became available the Restoration Unit of the Works Department graciously accepted to draw up the specifications and conditions for the issue of tenders and eventually to supervise the work. Tenders were issued and the closing date was put for the 14th January 2010. The Society, lacking the technical and professional means to examine the offers received and to select the most suitable tender, set up a board which included four Architects and Civil Engineers to assist the Society in this task. The tender will be awarded in the coming days and is expected that in three or four months time the glass metal roof will be installed. This project will remove inconveniences to teachers and students, mainly on rainy and windy days, as access to the several floor or classrooms and toilets is through the courtyard. It will also give space for the holding of artistic exhibitions and cultural events. The next sites that need restoration are the courtyard and the nymphaeum areas which are in a highly deteriorated state. The Architect and Civil Engineer Ms Amanda DeGiovanni submitted a report indicating the defects and the necessary works for the restoration of these areas. It must be that in the past the building had problems of accessibility from one room to another and a closed timber balcony around the courtyard was created to join various rooms situated on the first floor. This affixture mars all the architectural features of the courtyard and when the specifications for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the courtyard and nymphaeum areas are drawn up the removal of the closed balcony will be included. In this respect the Restoration Unit has already taken in hand the issue of the relative tender which will cover the removal of the existing pavement and the application of new paving, the restoration of the walls surrounding the courtyard and a new lighting system to cater for the present and future use of the courtyard. The remaining project which will almost complete the rehabilitation of Palazzo de La Salle, the historical importance of which deserves the best, concerns the restoration of the wall paintings of the Sala dei Cavalieri. The Society is already in the process of taking this job in hand but again the assistance of the appropriate Government Agency is essential for professional advice and eventual supervision of the work. These projects, when completed, will make it possible for the Society to carry out its mission in an environment which the 21st century demands. 2
Gold Medal Actress Karmen Azzopardi awarded the Gold Medal H.E. Dr George Abela, President of the Republic, bestowed the Malta Society of Arts. Manufactures and Commerce s 2009 Gold Medal to the Maltese actress Karmen Azzopardi in a ceremony held at the Casino Maltese. The award was given in recognition of Karmen Azzopardi s outstanding career on stage and T.V. In his brief introduction Mr Joseph J. Mifsud, the President of the Society, addressing the many guests, noticeable among whom were actors and actresses who worked with Karmen Azzopardi during her artistic career, explained the process of the Council s decision on the 2009 Gold Medal Award. Prof. Joe Friggieri, in his masterly portrayal of the actress, referred to the several plays of renowned Karmen receiving the Gold Medal from H.E Dr George Abela, President of the Republic playwrights in which Karmen had the leading part. Her preparation and hard work even on minute details were pointed out which made her performance on stage an example of real professionalism. The President of the Republic then presented the Gold Medal to Karmen Azzopardi receiving a standing ovation by the audience present. The programme included Vocal and Piano interludes by Soprano Rosabelle Bianchi, Pianists Joanne Camilleri and Kimberly Terribile. The programme was presented by Charlotte Stafrace. Prof. Joe Friggieri Mr Joseph J. M Kimberly Terribile ifsud during his address Rosabelle Bianchi and Joanne Camilleri 3
Events The Silver Palette ''The Meeting' - 1st prize (Category B - Sculpture & Ceramic) and Overall Winner Sponsored by Competition and Exhibition Prize ucky' - 1st 'Netta & L g) n A - Painti (Category 'Reclining Figure' - 1st Prize (Category B - Sculpture & Ceramic ) 'Tin' - 1st Prize (Category 'The Wandering Spirit' (Category A - Painting) 4 'Hanging on a Line (Part 2)' (Category A - Painting) Sean Camilleri was awarded the Silver Palette trophy and prize for his recycled sculpture The Meeting. Both Sean Camilleri with The Meeting and Matthew Micallef with his ceramic work Reclining Figure won the 1st Prize for the Sculpture and Ceramics Category (B) In the same Category, Gabriella De Gaetano with her ceramic on wood work Hanging on line (Part 1) and Valerio Schembri with his ceramic work Untitled won an Honourable Mention. For the Paintings Category (A) Margerita Pule with her oil on canvas Tin and Patrick Chircop with his chalk work Netta & Lucky were both awarded the 1st Prize. Damian Ebejer with his Acrylic on Canvas work The Wandering Spirit and Gabriella De Gaetano with her oil on jute thread work Hanging on a Line (Part 2) won an Honourable Mention for Category B. A - Painting) 'Hanging on a Line (Part 1)' (Category B - Sculpture & Ceramic) Sixty eight works have been entered for this year s Silver Palette Competition and Exhibition. The inauguration of the exhibition and the awards ceremony was held at Palazzo de La Salle on February, 5, 2010. After presenting certificates to all participating artists Mr Sandro Debono, Senior Curator at the Museum of Fine Arts inaugurated the Exhibition. Ms Joanne Boldarini of Vee Gee Bee Art, sponsors of the Competition, presented the prizes to the winning artists and Mr Joseph J. Mifsud, President of the Society, presented the Silver Palette trophy to the overall winner. The results were announced by the Exhibition Curator, Ms Jessica De Battista. ''Untitled' (Category B - Sculpture & Ceramic) Thanks go to all the artists that submitted their work and the sponsor, Vee Gee Bee Art. The Exhibition remains open until the 27th February, 2010. 5
LCM Diplomas Presentation & Concert News During the Annual Concert, which was held at the Casino Maltese, 33 students received Diplomas of the London College of Music. The presentation was made after the concert by the President of the Society, Mr Joseph J. Mifsud. The concert included performances on the piano by Christina May Cefai, Julian Cefai, Rebecca Borg, Stephanie Mamo Portelli, Roberta Bugeja, Martina De Bono, Lara Scerri and Kimberley Terribile. Carlos Borg played the trumpet, Luke Farrugia the clarinet and Angelo Borg the saxophone. Gayle Scerri presented the programme. It was an enjoyable and well attended event. The Society at a Naxxar Cultural Event The Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce was invited to take part in an Art & Crafts Exhibition organized by the Naxxar Local Council. The Art, Malta Lace, Parchment, Manga Art and Beading tutors and students of the Society not only showed their work but also their skills during the three days of the event. Council and Patrons of the Society It is the consuetude of the Society to have an official photo with a new President of the Republic or with a new Archbishop, both Patrons of the Society. On the occasion of the appointment of Dr G. Abela as President of the Republic the Society had the official photo taken at the President s Palace on the December 14, 2009. Photo: Seated left to right: Carmel Micallef (Hon. Treasurer), Jessica DeBattista (Vice President), H.E. Dr George Abela, President of the Republic, H.G. Mgr Paul Cremona O.P., Archbishop of Malta, Stephen Sant Angelo (Hon. Secretary), Saviour J. Zammit (Member). Standing left to right: Joe Scerri (Acting Director), Prof. Pascal Lino Briguglio (Verification Officer), Francis Galea (member), Carmel V. Galea (Member), Salvator Mousu (Member), Mario Schiavone (Govt. Representative). Not in the photo: Joseph J. Mifsud (President), Lawrence Borg (member), Roberto Buontempo (member). 6
Collaboration on Canvas The Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce organized a fund-raising activity in aid of The Malta Hospice Movement which was sponsored by Vee Gee Bee Art, Impressions and Marsovin. The event brought together eight artists with diverse, distinctive styles, to take part in a challenging exercise where they required to work for a span of two hours on eight canvases. Each artist started on a bare canvas which had to be passed on to the next artist after fifteen minutes. Each canvas made a full circle going from one artist to the other. It was a daunting exercise which the News eight artists bravely faced supported by the good turn-out of visitors curious and eager to see what the outcome would be. The artists taking part were Fabio Borg, Jude Zammit, Lewis Zammit, Damian Ebejer, Mark schembri, Francis Galea, Carmel Micallef and Jessica de Battista. The eight paintings were then displayed at Palazzo de La Salle of which three were sold with all proceeds going to The Malta Hospice Movement. The material for the artists was provided by Vee Gee Bee Art, wine by Marsovin Ltd and printing of promotional material by Impressions. Students Prize Day and Annual Exhibition The Society recently held its Annual Prize Day for students attending the 2008/2009 scholastic year. Mr Joseph J. Mifsud, President of the Society, presented certificates to over 70 students placed first, second or third in their respective courses annual examinations. The 22 students placed first were also presented with a 3-month scholarship under the Special Projects Programme. Funds for this programme were raised during the Fund Raising Dinner which was organized by the Society last May at Villa Arrigo. After the presentation the Annual Crafts & Arts Students Exhibition was inaugurated. World Children s Day For the second year running the Society took part in this event with its youngest art students. The event was held at the President s Palace in Valletta. Restoration of a 19th Century Press Guillotine The Malta Shipyards took the initiative to restore a 19th century Press Guillotine. The restoration took a couple of weeks to be completed and was carried out at the Malta Shipyards. The restored Press Guillotine is now placed for viewing at Palazzo de La Salle. 7
Calendar of Events Calendar of Events at the Malta Society of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (unless otherwise states) 5th 27th February Silver Palette Competition & Exhibition Sponsored by Vee Gee Bee Art 15th February Piano Master Classes Conducted by Cynthia Turner 17th February Lecture by the Malta Archaeological Society 11th 27th March Audrey Torrero Contradictions Exhibition 15th March Piano Master Classes Conducted by Cynthia Turner 20th March Concert, students of Marilyn Cutajar 22nd March Annual General Meeting 12th April 19th June Arts, Crafts & Music Courses 14th April London College of Music Theory Examinations 21st April Lecture by the Malta Archaeology Society 23rd April Concert by Rosanne Bellizzi 30th April Full-Day Cultural Tour in Gozo 4th 22nd May Collective Exhibition 17th -29th May London College of Music Practical Examinations 19th May Lecture by the Malta Archaeology Society 19th May Young Musicians Contest Finals Sponsored by the Malta Council for Culture and the Arts, and The London College of Music 20th May Annual Concert and Presentation of LCM Certificates 28th May Annual Fund Raising Dinner in aid of the Special Projects Programme 10th 25th June Members Annual Exhibition 19th June London College of Music Theory Examinations DESIGNED BY PRETHOUGHT - prethought@gmail.com ADVERTISEMENT 8