Tom Forrestall, considered by art critics to be one of the “pillars of Canadian art”, is set to visit the Maltese archipelago at the invitation of Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa and the Malta Tourism Authority. During Forrestall's two week “Artist in Residence” programme, 10-25 April 2016, the accomplished Canadian artist will create a collection of watercolours featuring Malta's diverse historical and natural landscapes, entitled “18 Days on Malta: Closer Look at 7,000 Years of History in Words & Paint”.

Forrestall will be accompanied by his journalist daughter, Monica Forrestall, who will be collaborating on this project by documenting her father's painting expeditions and sites through her photography, videos, writings and blogs.  

The painting sites around Malta will include historic buildings and striking natural landscapes in Valletta and Mdina, and on Malta's sister island, Gozo.

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa will host Tom Forrestall and Monica Forrestall throughout their “Artist in Residence” stay in Malta, and will hold Artist Salons open to guests and the wider public. The Artist Salons will feature Forrestall's paintings of Malta, alongside photos taken of him painting at different locations. In an informal setting, Forrestall will provide comments on his painting style, favourite sites, anecdotes of his stay on the island, and how he has brought Malta's scenery to life in his art.

Forrestall is one of the leading painters associated with the contemporary realism movement of Canada and of the Maritime provinces. Forrestall was born in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia, in 1936 and grew up in Middleton and Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where he currently resides and maintains his studio. Forrestall's career has spanned over fifty years, during which he has received awards including the Order of Canada and several honorary doctorates. His works have been exhibited in museums and public galleries both nationally and internationally in solo and group exhibitions.

In speaking of his Malta project, Forrestall said “Drawing, watercolour and egg tempera; they all stir a passion, a delight and satisfaction into my creative process. But above all, creating watercolour paintings creates a oneness with a place. Malta, to me is mysterious, as I've never been there. I will interpret Malta in my own way, while I explore the complex and fascinating history of these islands. I'm thrilled to have this opportunity.”

David Woodward, General Manager Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa, said “We are pleased to host an artist of Tom Forrestall's calibre and, together with the Malta Tourism Authority, provide Forrestall with a platform to create a series of paintings that will promote the beauty of Malta through an artist's eye.” Woodward added, “We appreciate that Forrestall is also willing to share his insights on painting in Malta with Corinthia Palace guests as well as the public at the Artist Salons.”

Following the conclusion of the Artist in Residence programme with Tom and Monica Forrestall, Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa will develop curated painting holiday packages, 'The Perfect Places to Paint in Malta', based on Forrestall's notes and comments on his own painting experience in Malta.

Paul Bugeja, CEO, Malta Tourism Authority, commented “Malta has attracted many artists in the past, the most famous being Italian painter Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, but none from North America. We are confident that the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa's Artist in Residence initiative with Tom Forrestall will no doubt attract more amateur painters and art lovers to Malta, adding another dimension to Maltese tourism promotion in the USA & Canada."

For more information on Corinthia Palace Hotel and Spa, visit corinthia.com/palace

ENDS 

Media only – for further information or photography contact:
Jo Caruana, jo@writemeanything.com, or tel +35699462273
Fiona Harris, fiona.harris@corinthia.com, or tel +44 (0) 20 7321 3034
Evelien Lemmens, evelien.lemmens@corinthia.com, or tel +44 (0) 20 7321 3196 

About Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa
The Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa is the original flagship of Corinthia Hotels, opened in 1968. Located in the heart of the island of Malta, adjacent to the Presidential Palace, the 150-room five-star Corinthia Palace exudes grace and historic charm. It is positioned between the island's capital Valletta and Mdina, the picturesque medieval silent city that is still inhabited till this day. This opulent hotel offers the leisure guest an extensive range of facilities, including the Athenaeum Spa and Health Club, complete with as wide range of revitalising treatments and indoor and outdoor pools. With a century-old restored villa as its main dining venue, this hotel is all about warmth, personal attention, and traditional elegance. The hotel boasts top-class restaurants, including Rickshaw, offering Asian-fusion dishes, and the al fresco Summer Kitchen. For corporate guests, modern business facilities are available, with a large conference room easily accommodating 450 delegates, and six syndicate rooms including two boardrooms for smaller groups. Corinthia Palace is a 21st-century stately hotel, created by experts with a passion for craftsmanship and an understanding of world-class service. Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa is an award-winning member of Corinthia Hotels' collection of five-star hotels founded by the Pisani family of Malta. For more information, visit corinthia.com/palace or visit Twitter @corinthiapalace or Instagram @corinthiapalace

About Malta
The sunny islands of Malta, in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, are home to a most remarkable concentration of intact built heritage, including the highest density of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in any nation-state anywhere.  Valletta built by the proud Knights of St. John is one of the UNESCO sights and the European Capital of Culture for 2018. Malta's patrimony in stone ranges from the oldest free-standing stone architecture in the world, to one of the British Empire's most formidable defensive systems, and includes a rich mix of domestic, religious and military architecture from the ancient, medieval and early modern periods. With superbly sunny weather, attractive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. For more information on Malta, visit visitmalta.com