MAVC Gozo VPA School Unveils “Island Chronicles” Intaglio Print Exhibition at Xewkija Windmill

On Friday 16th May 2025, the Gozo Visual & Performing Arts School, in collaboration with the Gozo Culture Council within the Ministry for Gozo and Planning, proudly inaugurated Island Chronicles: A Series of Intaglio Prints from the Gozo VPA Printmaking Studio. This captivating exhibition of fine art prints by our talented printmaking students was set against the historic and atmospheric backdrop of the Xewkija Windmill, transforming the iconic venue into a vibrant printmaking haven.

The opening ceremony featured addresses by Head of School Vince Caruana, President of the Gozo Culture Council Joseph Calleja, Head of College Network Victor Galea, and Minister for Gozo and Planning Hon. Clint Camilleri, all highlighting the significance of the arts and culture in enriching the Gozo community.

Island Chronicles features 26 compelling works by 13 emerging artists, showcasing a broad range of intaglio techniques including Aquatint, Drypoint, Etching, Mezzotint, Open Bite, and Soft-Ground. Each print tells a unique story through the intricate interplay of ink and paper, reflecting both personal expression and artistic mastery.

To mark this special occasion, a full-colour exhibition catalogue has been published, beautifully documenting every piece in the show. This catalogue not only serves as a lasting record of the exhibition but also as an educational resource and celebration of the students’ artistic journey.

The Head of College Network, Victor Galea, expressed how the exhibition embodies the educational values at the core of the school: “Island Chronicles exemplifies the power of hands-on artistic practice in developing technical skills and personal voice. It’s a vivid reminder that art education is about exploration, discipline, and storytelling.”

Echoing this sentiment, Head of School Vince Caruana noted that the exhibition is a proud moment for the school community, underlining how these works “demonstrate the dedication and creative growth of our students, while also highlighting the cultural richness of Gozo through contemporary printmaking.”

Justin Falzon, Printmaking teacher at the VPA School, shared his perspective on the exhibition’s impact: “Seeing these prints come to life in such a historic and inspiring setting brings a new dimension to the students’ work. This exhibition is not just a showcase, it’s an opportunity for students to engage with heritage and push the boundaries of their craft.”

Island Chronicles will remain open daily from 08:30 to 20:00 at the Xewkija Windmill until Sunday, 8th June 2025. Visitors are warmly invited to experience this unique fusion of traditional printmaking and Gozo’s cultural heritage.

#VPALife #IslandChronicles #GozoVPA #PrintmakingExhibition #XewkijaWindmill