Bermuda Art Center celebrates 40th anniversary – The Royal Gazette

Created: November 2, 2024 7:56 AM

Anniversary exhibition: Otto Trott’s depiction of Tobacco Bay, on display at the Bermuda Art Center in Dockyard (Image courtesy of Bermuda Art Centre)

Forty years ago, on October 14, 1984, the Bermuda Art Center in Dockyard was officially opened by Princess Margaret, and the venue is celebrating the event by hosting an art exhibition from those involved in its creation.

I was there on the day of the opening, along with others involved in the creation of the center. I think of Emma Ingham, who was the driving force behind getting it started. I think of JC “Kit” Astwood, who as chairman of the West End Development Corporation was not only great in his encouragement but also an active participant in the creation of the center.

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 beginning, the center was known for its quality and even unusual exhibitions. That is why the public came en masse to watch and support. It was as if they were hungry for creative and beautiful art. Each exhibition was judged by a jury or was curated. In this way the center maintained a high standard.

Nine artists are exhibiting in the current exhibition The Originals 2024. The technical diversity and styles on display are striking. Included is the art of Christopher Marson, who depicts his landscapes in watercolor and gouache.

Desmond Fountain shows a number of etchings, while Emma Ingham shows sketches in ink and wash.

Lynn Morrell has contributed quilted tapestries, while Otto Trott shows oil landscapes. His depiction of Tobacco Bay is especially appealing.

Sharon Muhammad has made several encaustics. For those who don’t know, encaustic is pigment in hot wax. It is an age-old technique that is currently undergoing a modern renaissance.

Sheilagh Head has a number of oil landscapes on display, plus a few abstracts, while Vaughn Evans has contributed his astonishing woodcuts.

This is an exhibition worth the drive to Dockyard and support for the Bermuda Art Centre.

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