Come September, with the lazy, hazy days of summer on the wane, thoughts turn to new activities – or a resumption of the old – to pass the time creatively or educationally.

With this in mind the Masterworks Foundation will be covering both bases with a resumption of its popular art education programmes for all ages, registration for which is now under way.

Planned are hands-on art workshops for five- to 14-year-olds on Saturdays, as well as after-school and mid-term break classes throughout the autumn.

New offerings include classes for adults, teens, and 'moms and tots', the latter from age two up.

Youth sessions include the Saturday 'Junior Arts Club' and the after-school 'Museum Detectives', which engage children by touring the new Materworks Museum of Bermuda Art, and taking part in related hand-on art activities. Mid-term break workshops will focus on drawing outside in the Botanical Gardens in personal sketchbooks for the 'Drawn from Nature' two-day sessions.

"Masterworks will continue with programmes for five- to 12-year-olds which have proven popular, and are thrilled be able to broaden our staffing and scope of offerings with two very talented local artists," education director Carrie Zenti said.

New additions to the programme will be mosaic workshops and weekend plein air painting sessions in the Botanical Gardens.

Instructor Shelly Hamill, whose classes already have a good following in the arts community, will provide specialised instruction in 14 different 'Piece of Mind' mosaic workshops designed for all age groups – from toddler to adult. "I am delighted and thrilled to be working with Masterworks. The brand new building is a dream to work in, and Masterworks has rolled out the red carpet to accommodate me. Mosaic is a great art medium to work in, and it is very easy to be successful right from the start. I am really looking forward to sharing my experience, and getting more people excited about the ancient art of mosaic using modern techniques," Ms Hamill said.

In response to appeals for more education opportunities for adults and teens on evenings and weekends, Masterworks will introducing plein air painting on Sunday mornings for adults, led by instructor Manuel Palacio. The group will meet on Sunday mornings in the Botanical Gardens for guided painting instruction in a relaxed informal setting, with all abilities encouraged. Mr. Palacio is a well-known artist with a diverse teaching background from years spent at CedarBridge Academy and local community education programmes.

"Being able to use the beautiful surroundings of the Botanical Gardens as an inspiration and a classroom is a fantastic treasure," Mrs. Zenti said.

Registration details and forms for the above classes are available on website www.bermudamasterworks.com click on 'Workshops'.

"Space is limited, so don't delay," Mrs. Zenti concluded.