An edition of the etching of Fungus Rock by Gozitan artist Justin Falzon are for sale in aid of the St Patrick’s Salesian School, run by the Salesians of Don Bosco, in Sliema.

The Fungus Rock, or as it is known by the locals, Gebla Tal-General (General’s Rock), is located in Dwejra on the island of Gozo. The name in English refers to the unique fungus (also known as the Malta Fungus) which grows on the flat top of the rock and which was guarded for centuries by the Knights of St John as it was believed it had medicinal properties. In fact, at the time of Grand Master Pinto, trespassers could have been easily sent to serve as oarsmen in the Knight’s galleys. Today, Fungus Rock is a nature reserve and is one of the main natural attractions of the Maltese archipelago.

Justin Falzon (b. 1982) is based in Gozo and studied Fine Arts at the Lorenzo De Medici Art Institute in Florence where he specialised in drawing, painting and printmaking. He has exhibited in several exhibitions both locally and abroad.

The etching Fungus Rock is an edition of one hundred and is printed on Magnani ivory paper. Anyone who would like to acquire one of these etchings can contact Fr Charles Cini SDB on 7949 2555.