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Fostering Talent
Bermuda has a rich heritage of inspiring artists who, in turn, have generated spectacular works of art and created a unique artistic community.
By Julie Butler, Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art
 Since the first artistic visitor graced the shores of Bermuda, artists have been challenged with translating the iridescent but illusive atmosphere and light of Bermuda onto their canvases or paper. From Winslow Homer stepping off the SS Trinidad in the early 20th century to Georgia O’Keeffe seeking refuge from the cold winters, Bermuda has served as a source of inspiration to artists for hundreds of years.
Bermuda’s tradition of fostering creative talent has only intensified, from the creation of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in 1987 and the opening of the doors of the National Gallery in 1992, to the new crop of galleries and art collectives around the island today. Bermuda’s visual arts continue to flourish, and visitors to the island will be delighted by the depth of creativity here.
MUSEUMS AND INSTITUTIONS
The following is a selection of cultural venues and public art sites. Check with each venue for current exhibitions and programming.
 Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard: Established in 1984, The Arts Centre is a non-profit registered charity that reflects the diverse creativity of the art community in Bermuda. Five resident artists are happy to chat about their work, and regular exhibits of other local artists are staged every six weeks. The gift shop sells original works of art and prints, and workshops are held regularly. (234-2809, artbermuda.com)
Bermuda Historical Society: Housed in the 1814 home of William B. Perot, Bermuda’s first postmaster, this collection includes Bermuda-made silver, furniture and paintings, fine china, maps and coins. Ask the curator to show you the letter sent by George Washington asking for Bermuda’s help during the American Revolution. (295-2487, apbermingham@logic.bm)
Bermuda National Gallery: This art museum houses Bermuda’s national art collection. It keeps a permanent collection, including African, Bermudian and European art, as well as temporary exhibits. It also offers educational programmes, social events, lectures and camps. (295-9428, bng.bm)
Bermuda National Trust: The Bermuda National Trust is a charity established in 1970 to preserve natural, architectural and historic treasures, and to encourage public appreciation of them. There are 70 properties under The Trust’s care. All programmes and activities are focused in the key areas of preservation, education and advocacy. Its purpose is to ensure that Bermuda’s unique heritage remains protected for future generations. The Trust has a strong education programme focused on encouraging appreciation of our history and what it means to our future. (236-6483, bnt.bm)
 Bermuda Society of the Arts: Often referred to as “The People’s Art Gallery,” the BSOA showcases local artists in four separate gallery spaces. They host approximately 50 shows a year and celebrate the diverse range of artistic talent that Bermuda has to offer. (292-3824, bsoa.bm)
Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation: Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation is the first collective guild in Bermuda for the creation and teaching of art in an environment that is inspiring and accessible to the entire community. Adult and children’s art classes offered. (542-9000, kaf.bm)
Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art: Celebrating their 25th anniversary in 2012, Masterworks is home to over 1,200 works of Bermuda inspired art, by such famous names as Winslow Homer, Albert Gleizes and Georgia O’Keeffe. Local artists are on display throughout the year, and visiting international artists offer their interpretation of island life. Weekly drop-in children’s classes welcome visitors, and on the last Saturday of the month Super Saturday offers FREE art activities to ALL. The museum shop, selling prints and original local art, and Homer’s Café are open seven days a week. (299-4000, bermudamasterworks.com)
National Museum of Bermuda: In the West End in Royal Navy Dockyard, the museum encompasses Bermuda Maritime Museum, The Keep, The Casemates Barracks, Commissioner’s House and three floors of exhibits. Displays include The Slave Trade, Royal Navy Collections and local artist Graham Foster’s epic mural depicting the history of Bermuda. (234-1418, bmm.bm)
TAKING IT HOME
This small cluster of islands is packed with art galleries and studios from St. George’s in the east to Royal Naval Dockyard in the west. Wherever you are, you can find that perfect memento of Bermuda to take home, whether it is an original painting, prints, cedar works or even handcrafted ceramics. Below are a few galleries and spaces that you can check out.
 April Branco Gallery: April is a pastel and charcoal artist who sells her original artworks and prints, as well as works by other local artists and jewellers Alexandra Mosher and Cindy Mitchell. (542-8484, aprilbrancogallery.com)
Belinda Tartaglia Gallery: In the heart of St. George’s, this unique gallery offers fine art, antiques, paintings, and contemporary, vintage and antique prints. (297-0909)
Birdsey Studio: The Birdsey Studio began almost 50 years ago by the famous painter Alfred Birdsey, and his legacy is continued today by his daughter Jo. Appointments are recommended. (236-6658, linberg@northrock.bm)
Chris Dawson Gallery: Chris specialises in oil paintings, portraits and landscapes. (297-4437, chrisdawsonfineart.com)
Crisson & Hind Gallery: Home to a fascinating collection of carved sculptures from Zimbabwe. (295-1117)
Endemic Arts Collective: Bermuda’s newest arts collective in the East End, it offers unique local artwork. (endemic.arts@gmail.com)
Nicholas Lusher Fine Antiques and Fine Art: By appointment only, Nicholas deals in Bermudian, European and American art, sculptures, maps, prints, books, coins and much more. (295-5708, nicholaslusher.com)
Picturesque Gallery: This gallery showcases the best of Roland Skinner’s work throughout his 50-year career. (292-1452, picturesquebermuda.com)
PUBLIC ART IN BERMUDA
St. George’s:
Ordinance Island: Bronze of Sir George Somers by Desmond Fountain.
Drew’s Bay, Barry Road: As part of Bermuda’s 400th Anniversary, Will Collieson was commissioned to create a representation of the cross left by the survivors of the Sea Venture.
St. David’s:
Battery at Great Head Park: Lost at Sea Memorial by Bill (Mussey) Ming.
 Royal Naval Dockyard:
Commissioner’s House, National Museum of Bermuda: Hall of History by Bermuda’s surrealist Graham Foster.
Hamilton:
Par-la-Ville Park: John & Nelga Young II Sculpture Garden, BNG Collection.
Wesley Square, East of City Hall: Chesley Trott’s bronze When Voices Rise, commemorating the 1959 Theatre Boycott — Bermuda’s definitive civil rights moment.
Barr’s Bay Park: Chesley Trott’s bronze We Arrive honours the 1835 post-Emancipation arrival of the American slave ship Enterprise.
Cabinet Office grounds, Front Street: Carlos Dowling’s Sally Bassett.
City Hall steps: George Lundeen’s Storybooks (1992). Interior: Bill (Mussey) Ming’s Family Circle, (1997–2004).
Anglican Cathedral Reredos, Church St.: Christ and 14 Saints by Canadian sculptress Byllee Lang (1908–1966).
East Broadway at the entrance to #8 Dock: Eddie Lima’s 1974 concrete Longtails.
East Broadway, Foot of the Lane: Desmond Fountain’s bronze tribute to Johnny Barnes. Created in the 1990s for a living Bermuda icon who can still be seen daily at the Crow Lane roundabout waving each morning.
ART EVENTS
Bermuda National Gallery Biennial
June 16–November 25, 2012
Started in 1994, the Bermuda Biennial provides an opportunity for local artists to engage in an internationally juried process that strives to represent the excellence of Bermuda’s contemporary art. This exhibition is open to all artists residing in Bermuda and Bermudian artists overseas.
Charman Prize, Masterworks Museum of Bermuda
October 14–November 24, 2012
Established in 2008 by local businessman and art collector John Charman, CEO and president of Axis Capital Holdings, this show is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the extraordinary range of artistic talent in the local community. In just four years, the Charman Prize has become a highlight of the annual art calendar in Bermuda.
The grand prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the artist whose artwork best embodies the four judging criteria. There are also four prizes of $2,500 and 12 honourable-mention prizes of $100. The theme is “Bermuda as Inspiration,” and all artworks are for sale.
Bookish Bermuda
Perhaps Mark Twain said it best: "You can go to heaven if you want to. I'd rather go to Bermuda."
 In the late 19th century Twain was a frequent visitor to the island chain and did much to boost Bermuda's early tourism efforts by writing about the destination in magazines and books.
But Twain was by no means the only literary icon to fall in love with Bermuda. Other writers captivated by Bermuda's classic beauty include Rudyard Kipling, C.S. Forester, Edna Ferber and E.B. White.
In the 1920s, playwright Eugene O'Neill lived in Warwick Parish, where he worked on The Great God Brown, Lazarus Laughed and Strange Interlude at Spithead, the one-time home of Hezekiah Frith.
The infamous privateer is said to haunt the house, but that did not stop Noel Coward from taking up residence there some three decades later. The world-famous playwright stayed in Bermuda for two years, working on a ballet and the musical Sail Away.
But perhaps it was Katherine Anne Porter who loved Bermuda best. During her long, turbulent life, she lived all over the world, but it was in Bermuda that she said she felt most at home.
"I was never so happy, never so straight in my mind, never so hopeful," she wrote to a friend shortly after arriving on the island. "I had never dreamed of so much."
 DID YOU KNOW? Bermuda's earliest artists were itinerant British painters and military topographers.
DID YOU KNOW? Winslow Homer painted 19 watercolours in Bermuda between 1899 and 1901.
DID YOU KNOW? John Lennon was so inspired by the "Double Fantasy" freesias he saw at Bermuda's Botanical Gardens that he named his classic album after them.
DID YOU KNOW? Georgia O'Keefe produced 12 known works in Bermuda in 1934, including a pencil-and-ink sketch titled "The Banyan Tree," valued today at more than $75,000.
Plan to visit to Bermuda now by checking availability and booking online. It's fast and easy — click here.
Get more information about Bermuda's art galleries and artists using the link at the top of the page.
 Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard
Maritime Lane, Royal Naval Dockyard, Sandys
Tel: 234-2809
Website: artbermuda.bm
Voted Bermuda’s Best of Bermuda’s Best Art Gallery in 2006, Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard is one of the island’s premium galleries, featuring both traditional and contemporary art, all created by local artists. On location are four working studios where you can meet the artists and see them at work, including an oil painter, a cedar-wood sculptor, a jeweller, and textile and ceramic artists. The gallery also has a large selection of prints and locally crafted gifts, ensuring no one need leave empty-handed. The centre is open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Birdsey Studio
5 Stowe Hill, Paget
Tel: 236-6658
E-mail: linberg@northrock.bm
Jo Birdsey Linberg, daughter of Bermuda’s first modern artist, Alfred Birdsey, painted for many years with her father at the Birdsey Studio before his death in 1996. Today she continues the family tradition. Created predominately in watercolour, her impressionistic landscapes, figurative paintings and whimsical animals reflect her mentor’s artistic legacy through simple lines and Oriental-inspired brushwork, but they also establish Jo’s own artistic niche and creative stamp. Her watercolours have been exhibited in Bermuda and overseas, whilst collected and commissioned internationally. Jo’s paintings reflect her love of life and Bermuda. Her father’s spirit is alive and well in her humour, hospitality and creative energy. The Birdsey Studio, in the back garden of the family home, remains a special place for many, with its tranquil natural setting and rather unusual appearance. Studio hours are 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays. Appointments are recommended.
 Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art
Botanical Gardens
183 South Shore Road, Paget
Tel: 299-4000
E-mail: mworks@logic.bm
Website: bermudamasterworks.com
Set in the Botanical Gardens in Paget, the museum houses a collection of over 1,400 pieces of Bermuda-inspired art — some by such famous names as Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer and Albert Gleizes. Local artists are on display throughout the year also, and the museum shop sells prints, original local art and handcrafted items. Homer’s Café serves a wide selection of baked goods, sandwiches, and hot meals with afternoon tea on Sundays.
Museum and café open Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Closed most public holidays. General admission $5, FREE for members and children under 12. Accessible with ramp and an elevator.
Picturesque Gallery
129 Front St. East, Hamilton
Tel: 292-1452
Also available at the Picturesque outpost at A.S. Cooper’s Main Store
59 Front Street, Hamilton
Tel: 295-3961
E-mail: info@picturesquebermuda.com
Website: picturesquebermuda.com
The Picturesque Gallery showcases Bermudian photographer Roland Skinner’s best work spanning a 50-year career. Roland’s images of Bermuda truly capture the unique colours and contours of the island, its flamboyant sunsets, lush floral landscapes and sweeping aerial views. Archival colour prints in various sizes are available from the gallery along with two best-selling books and a number of unique gift items featuring Roland’s images.
Seaglass Studio
No. 2, Long House
Pennos Drive, St. George’s
Tel: 297-4819
Website: bermudaseaglassbykelly.com
Beachcomber Kelly Diel has a treasure trove of unique handcrafted gifts in the heart of St. George’s. Seaglass Studio is where Kelly creates one-of-a-kind jewellery and ornaments from seaglass found on the local beaches. You can see the rarest colours of seaglass in orange, red and yellow. She also uses driftwood, sea pottery and other sea debris to create decorative signs, mirrors and ornamental sculptures. Visit her at her studio where you can find that special, unique gift to take home.
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