Applications are now open for the Malta Society of Arts' (MSA) new schedule of winter courses in the Visual, Applied and Performing Arts, and people of all ages are encouraged to apply. Students who are already enrolled on the courses that started in October can renew their subscription, while new students can submit their applications at the MSA's Palazzo de La Salle, Republic Street, Valletta.

The courses are open for anyone with an interest in the different art forms and with varying levels of skill in the particular subject being taught. Courses in the Visual Arts department include Art for Juniors (6-10 years), Art for Leisure for Mature Students, Art for Leisure for Adults, Art Workshops, Clay Modelling, Work Groups - Fine Arts Portraiture and Preparatory Art course for 'O' level (11 years and over). The popular Human Figure Nude painting course is doubling up its classes and it will now be held both on Tuesdays and Fridays.

To cater for an increased interest in fashion design, the Applied Arts section is offering a Sewing for Beginners course, on top of the Dress-making course. The Cake Decorating course will be back in February after a short break, while other courses include Cottage Crafts, Soft Furnishings, Patchwork, Monastery Work, Crochet, Ganutell, Gilding, Knitting, Hand and Gold Embroidery and Lace-making.

The Performing Arts courses focus mostly on music and offer lessons in pianoforte, violin, guitar and voice.

The second semester of the winter courses starts at the beginning of February and carries on until May. The schedule covers both mornings and evenings, depending on the specific needs of each course and classes are held across Palazzo de La Salle, which serves as a beautiful backdrop to the nature of the courses.

For more information and details visit artsmalta.org/courses or call the Malta Society of Arts on 2124 4339, 2124 4400.