An open air exhibition of sculpture entitled “Art in the Environment” is currently on display in Freedom Square, Valletta, as part of the Malta Arts Festival – Summer 2006. The exhibition was officially opened by Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech. The works will remain on display throughout the festival days till 20 August.

Set in Freedom Square, which has been beautifully transformed into a garden and opposite the Royal Opera House ruins, the sculpture exhibition shows the work of over 30 Maltese and foreign artists.

“The philosophy of the exhibition is the compatibility of art in a garden,” said George Glanville, the exhibition curator. “The mixture of talents and style create a colourful and interesting display. Without doubt, the exhibition is very accessible and will bring art to the attention of many shoppers and tourists, who would not normally consider visiting a gallery.”

The sculptures vary in medium from stone, marble, metal, glass, timber to fibreglass. A few artists are exhibiting installations built specifically for this occasion.

The participating artists are Angelo Agius, Anton Agius, Ray Azzopardi, Carmel Bonello, John Bonnici, Alfred Camilleri, Austin Camilleri, Gabriel Caruana, Jeni Caruana, Twanny Darmanin, Andrew Diacono, Antoine Farrugia, Ivan Fenech, Mario Galea, Kenneth Grima, Paul Haber, Joseph L. Mallia, David Mifsud, George Muscat, Zell Osborne, Sarah Proudler, Joseph Saliba, Charles Sammut, Paul Scerri, Ray Spiteri, Guzeppi Theuma, Anne Van Den Bossche, Walter Vella, Paul Vella Critien, Olaug Vethal, Ebba von Fersen Balzan and Henriette Mallia and her students at the Carlo Diacono Junior Lyceum for Girls, Zejtun.

For more information on the Malta Arts Festival – Summer 2006 one may call the hotline on 9999-0145 or visit the website: www.maltaculture.com