Children's art exhibition

An exhibition of more than 100 paintings by Maltese schoolchildren was opened last Friday by Xio Wei Xiang, director of the Chinese Cultural Centre in Valletta.

The paintings are on show at the Foyer of the Education Division in Floriana, up to January 8.

The exhibition was organised by the Malta China Friendship Society that works closely with the Chinese Cultural Centre to raise awareness of Chinese culture and to promote friendship between the people of Malta and China.

The exhibition was organised to thank the Maltese children aged five to 18 who last summer submitted their work in preparation for Malta's participation at the International Arts Competition, part of the biannual Tianjin International Arts Festival. The festival is supported by the Chinese Friendship with Foreign Countries Association, which whom the Malta China Friendship Society is affiliated.

A panel of judges appointed by the Malta China Friendship Society last summer selected seven paintings from over 140 paintings submitted by 12 government and private schools which were sent to China to compete in the International Arts Festival. A painting by 18-year-old Maria Tonna of Mqabba won the gold award at this prestigious festival. Another painting, by 10-year-old Andy Grech of Swieqi, was awarded the bronze medal.

The exhibition was mounted and arranged by renowned artists Joseph Barbara and Frans Galea, and Joe Vella, a former teacher.

Most of the children's paintings depict a message of hope and happiness, "so it is appropriate to show them during this festive season," said Reno Calleja, president of the Malta China Friendship Society.