• For the first time the Secretariat for Catholic Education has brought together teachers of art in Church schools to showcase their work in a collective art exhibition at Palazzo De La Salle, Valletta, supported by Banif Bank (Malta) plc. Twenty two artists are exhibiting more than 70 works of fine art, using a variety of media, techniques, styles and subject matter.

    The incentive was originally conceived by the Head of Department for Art and Graphical Communication, Anthony Patrick Vella. Apart from being instrumental in promoting the work of these artists, the main idea behind the event is to acknowledge the outstanding talent of these individuals that is being shared and passed on to students. 

    Dr Rose Ann Cuschieri, Director for Educational Services in Church Schools said: “Art as a subject might not always be given its due importance. Some may see it as a soft option; others may perceive art as a secondary subject which students can do without.  Teachers of art have a very particular mission – that of portraying and disseminating the beauty of art, of passing on their talents to their students, of looking for and discovering students with artistic skill and helping them flourish.  Artistic students ought to be encouraged to pursue and develop their potential.”

    “The public might overlook the fact that teachers of art are themselves artists,” said Simon Grech, Head of Department for Corporate Services at Banif Bank. This showcase not only acknowledges such a fact but also motivates the teachers to keep exploring their own artistic universe and share their development with students. Banif Bank has a penchant for supporting initiatives that strike chords on different levels. This event ticks the important boxes of education, culture and the arts and we believe it will emphasise the importance of art as a taught subject.”

    The exhibition was inaugurated by the Hon Dr Evarist Bartolo, Minister for Education and Employment, and is open until 30th April. Opening hours are weekdays 9 am to 5 pm.

     

    Photo caption: Some of the art works on show at the Exhibition by the Teachers of Art at Palazzo De La Salle