Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1432934
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 28 NOVEMBER 2021 15 COMMERCIAL CAREMALTA recently add- ed two Zaren Vassallo Art (ZVART) pieces to its portfolio – a watercolour by Jacqueline Agius, entitled Zammit Clapp Hospital Residential Home, and Fix-Xatt ta' Bormla, an acryl- ic on canvas by Wayne Pisani. Both works of art were unveiled in the span of a week. Launched by the Vassallo Group to celebrate its 75th an- niversary, the ZVART initiative has been very well received, with a number of commissioned art pieces yet to be unveiled by the group in a number of its prop- erties until the end of this year. So far, CareMalta has unveiled The Heart Giver, by Wallace Falzon, at its Mosta head office, The Red Pillar Box, by Jessica Debattista, at Casa Arkati, Nos- talgia of Żejtun, by Joseph Bal- dacchino, at the Żejtun Home and Retrieved Nostalgia, by Di- ane Agius Calleja, at Dar il-Ma- donna tal-Mellieħa. In a short address after the unveiling ceremony at Zammit Clapp, Agius said presenting the watercolour was an honour for me, especially since she was born at Zammit Clapp Hospital, formerly the Blue Sisters Hos- pital. "Every painting tells a story and this one tells mine," she said. The artist grew up in a crea- tive family. Her father's artistic influence activated a passion for architecture and a love for drawing and painting. In fact, she enjoys painting landscapes, with their wide, open spaces, the glittering sea and especial- ly the warm stone buildings and churches standing proud against the skyline. "For me, the unpredictability and uncontrollable nature of watercolour make it the most exciting and expressive medium of all. When my eyes are drawn to light dancing on a building, I immediately see a painting." Meanwhile, Fix-Xatt ta' Borm- la captures this old town's lively and idyllic promenade, where something is going on all the time. Pisani, a tattoo artist from Cospicua who mostly creates pencil drawings of human fac- es, said art means everything to him. It makes me feel complete. Through art, I can fully express my emotions. I am so pleased that the residents at Bormla Home will be able to feel well just by looking at the portrait I've created for them." Those attending included Nazzareno Vassallo, chair- man of the Vassallo Group, Pio Vassallo, the group's CEO, Natalie Briffa Farrugia, CEO of the CareMalta Group, Charlo Bonnici, chairperson of the ZVART committee, ZVART committee members Joe Saliba and Stephen Borg, as well as Pierre Jacobs and Antoine Borg, facility manager and assistant facility manager at Zammit Clapp and Bormla Home respectively. MCAST held a presentation event to reward the first 30 students who applied and were accepted to follow courses at the College during the 2020/21 intake. MCAST Principal and CEO Professor Joachim James Calleja, hosted the students and personally thanked them for the trust they have shown toward the College. During the event students were handed a certificate of appreciation by Principal Joa- chim James Calleja and Regis- trar Maria Pace. The students applied for different courses within diverse levels, spanning across all six MCAST Insti- tutes. During the event, students expressed their satisfaction with the opportunity they have been given by MCAST to learn industry-relevant skills during their educational jour- ney through the College's apprenticeship programme. Many cited this opportunity as a deal maker in their future quests to become recognized industry professionals. On his part, the Principal stressed, "the importance of students experiencing the world of work during their studies, because it is a fundamental ingredient in giving them a competitive edge in the industry." Moreover, many students ar- gued that the student-friendly educative approach, variety of study choices and modes of learning offered at MCAST is encouraging them to further their educational studies in the future. "As emphasized in the Strategic Plan, we are focused on providing quality courses, aimed at helping our students reach their highest potential. We embrace a student-first ap- proach at MCAST", stated Pro- fessor Calleja. The College underlines the importance of working close- ly with students, giving them agency and empowering them to be the best versions of them- selves both academically and professionally. Nazzareno Vassallo, chairman of the Vassallo Group, unveiling the watercolour by Jacqueline Agius Some of the MCAST students presented with a certificate of appreciation by Principal Joachim James Calleja CareMalta enriches portfolio with more ZVART pieces MCAST rewards students for trust shown in the College