On the occasion of Notte Bianca – Lejl Imdawwal on 14 October, the literary group Awl, will present a recital of poetry and prose entitled Verbimnara at the main reading room of the National Library. The activity will take place between 10pm and 11pm with the kind support of the National Library. Admission is free of charge.

Awl is a Maltese group that has been active in the fields of theatre, literature, graphic art and other related activities for the past six years. Verbimnara will feature a number of readers and musicians, who while working together, will have restricted visual contact with each other, building their collaborative efforts on the sounds being exchanged.

From 7.15pm onwards, under the arcades near the National Library, the renowned Scottish artist Marilyn Hodgson will be giving a demonstration of clay modelling. The demonstration will be enhanced by guitar music and fire-dancing at intervals.

Marilyn Hodgson will present her particular technique of structuring a portrait in clay, from “armature” to a well developed stage. She will be working with two models, one of whom is well-known Maltese personality Alan Montanaro, who will be sitting from 7pm to 10pm. The second model, a young Maltese/Australian musician and singer, will be sitting between 11pm and 5am. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view images of Marilyn’s completed works and works in development, and also to buy selected drawings and photographs of her artwork. Some of these works were initially started in Freedom Square during the Malta Arts Festival – Summer 2006.

Passers-by from under the Arcades in Republic Square will also be able to admire a photographic exhibition entitled Altitudes Invisible by Oxana Mercieca. The images in Altitudes Invisible present a number of contrasting situations, such as speed, verticality, and invisibility.

Born in Russia, Oxana started experimenting with photography in 1995. She studied History of Art at Moscow State University where she could enhance her technical knowledge. Oxana’s inspiration comes from traditional as well as contemporary techniques in her medium, and she has been constantly searching for a way of combining technical knowledge with expressive ability.