The Bermuda National Gallery (BNG) will today plays host to a celebration of literature. The aim of the event is to experience portions of Bermuda's literature through a collage of readers and to bring to life a vital aspect of art that interacts with the current exhibition, '4 Centuries: Evolving Art', from the collections of the BNG and Bermuda National Trust.

The event was organised in collaboration with Dr. Sajni Tolaram, Professor of English and Film Studies at Bermuda College, and Gavin Djata Smith, Founder and Executive Director of The Chewstick Foundation.

"This is a marvelous occasion to celebrate portions of Bermuda's literature," said Dr. Tolaram. "Ariel's song from 'The Tempest', and excerpts of contemporary poetry and drama, by our local writers, have been woven together with a spoken-word composition by our young 'bard, Keamon Woolaston, known as KASE."

Chewstick Director Gavin Djata Smith, said the exhibition was an opportunity to "inhabit our literature through speaking it and by blending the past with the present".

"We are excited and honoured to be a part of this literary experiment/collage both because we believe in the unique power words have to bring people together and because we see this as a great opportunity to break down the walls of social segregation that have existed in the broader arts community for far too long," added Mr. Smith.

BNG Director, Lisa Howie said the event gave credit to an important art form that had evolved over the centuries as much as the visual art and cultural artefacts on display.

"Also, this event gives us an opportunity to embrace the creative force of the Chewstick movement," she said. "It encourages their supporters to visit the Gallery, as well as for our supporters to take part in their cultural, hip offerings."

Celebrate the Art of Literature takes place from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Bermuda National Gallery, City Hall. Entry is $5 for members and $10 for non-members.