forthcoming art exhibition by members of Bermuda's prison population will demonstrate.

Entitled Timely Reflections II, this will be the prisoners' second annual exhibition of arts and crafts, and is being staged by the Department of Prisons in conjunction with the Bermuda Society of Arts.

Participating inmates are reported to be "extremely enthusiastic and committed to this show'', and organisers anticipate a wide range of exhibits, including ceramics, sculptures and crafts to submitted in addition to traditional drawings and paintings.

Due to the overwhelming public response to last year's show, which featured artwork and sculpture by Westgate Correctional Facility prisoners only, this year entries will be drawn from all of the facilities under the Prisons' Department's domain, including the Prison Farm and the Co-Educational facility.

Commissioner of Prisons, Edward L. Dyer, is equally enthusiastic as the prisoners themselves over the forthcoming show.

"I am delighted that the Prison Department is associated with the Bermuda Society of Arts on this project. The preparation is having a very positive effect on the inmates' attitudes, and they are enthusiastically anticipating the show's opening, and the opportunity to display their talents to the general public.'' Belinda Tartaglia, Development Director of the Bermuda Society of Arts, is equally upbeat about the exhibition, and paid tribute to the corporate sponsors who are backing the show.

"We are encouraging the public to come and see the show as it will clearly demonstrate the hidden abilities and talents of the prisoners,'' she said.

"In addition, the Society is extremely grateful to the corporate sponsors who have helped finance this worthwhile project. Without their generous assistance this exhibition would not be possible.'' Timely Reflections II will be held in the Bermuda Society of Arts main gallery on the upper level of City Hall from July 15 to August 5.

For further information contact: Christopher Grimes of the Prisons Department at Westgate (tel. 234-0555) or Belinda Tartaglia at 296-5111 or 292-3824.