Local artist Paul Stellini was recently made an honorary citizen of the Italian town of Tolfa to seal the ten year anniversary of the twinning between Tolfa and Ghajnsielem, as well as the personal friendship which exists between the people of Tolfa lead by the Mayor Alessandro Battilocchio.

The hilly town wanted to honour the artist who has visited Tolfa around twenty times over last ten years. Mayor Battilocchio presented the award as a surprise, in a council hall, full of citizens and representatives of the regional associations.

Paul Stelini said that since his first visit, he had been so “bewitched” by the beauty of the landscape and the warmth of the inhabitants of the town, that he painted a series of moments from the daily life in Tolfa as well scenes of its beautiful countryside. His works were very much appreciated and they made his bond with Tolfa even stronger.

Mr Stelini said “I want to say a big thank you,” to Mayor Battilocchio, who in Malta is well known and appreciated for his activities by all the people and by government authorities. “This recognition is a great surprise for me, I can say that Tolfa is my second home. From the first time I visited, I have been welcomed as a true Tolfetano.”

“We wanted to give this recognition to Paul,” concluded Battilocchio, “because we believe deeply in friendship with Malta and with its citizens, and he represents an excellence from an artistic point of view.”

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