Bermuda Arts Center celebrates 40th anniversary – The Royal Gazette

Created: November 2, 2024 at 07:56

Anniversary Exhibition: Otto Trott’s depiction of Tobacco Bay at the Bermuda Art Center in the Dockyard (photo courtesy of Bermuda Art Center)

Forty years ago, on October 14, 1984, Princess Margaret officially opened the Bermuda Art Center at the Dockyard, and the venue will mark the occasion with an exhibition of artwork by those involved in its creation.

I was there on the opening day along with other people involved in creating the center. I think of Emma Ingham, who was the driving force behind this endeavor. I think of JC “Kit” Astwod, who, as president of the West End Development Corporation, not only strongly encouraged but also actively participated in the center’s creation.

I think of others who exhibited on opening day, such as Desmond Fountain, Eldon Trimingham and Sharon Muhammad. I think of Ian Gordon, the architect who designed the renovated building.

From the very beginning, the center was famous for its quality and extraordinary exhibition. As such, the audience came out in droves to see and support it. It was as if they were hungry for creative and beautiful art. Each exhibition was either judged or curated. Thanks to this, the center has maintained a high standard.

The current exhibition The Originals 2024 features nine artists. The technical diversity and styles presented are noteworthy. Included are works by Christopher Marson, who depicts his landscapes in watercolor and gouache.

Desmond Fountain presents a number of engravings and Emma Ingham presents ink and wash sketches.

Lynn Morrell created quilted wall hangings, and Otto Trott showed oil landscapes. His depiction of Tobacco Bay is particularly compelling.

Sharon Muhammad created several encaustics. For the uninitiated, encaustic is pigment in hot wax. It is an ancient technique that is currently experiencing a modern renaissance.

Sheilagh Head showed many oil-in-oil landscapes and some abstracts, and Vaughn Evans created his amazing woodblock prints.

This is an exhibition worth going to the Dockyard to see and supporting the Bermuda Arts Center.

• The Bermuda Art Center 40th Anniversary Exhibition runs until November 10, 2024