week.

Organisers say the travelling exhibition of 137 Caribbean paintings and sculptures, on display from Monday, is one of the largest ever.

"Historically Bermudians have close ties with the Caribbean and this is a wonderful opportunity for Bermudians to see art from Caribbean countries,'' said Cultural Affairs Officer Miss Ruth Thomas. "We are extremely pleased to be hosting this major exhibit.'' The exhibition will be shown at the National Gallery, the Bermuda Society of Arts, City Hall, Hamilton and at the Bermuda Art Centre, Dockyard from May 8 to June 6.

The exhibition features the works of 31 Caribbean countries and Bermuda. Five paintings by local artists Ms Sharon Wilson, Mr. Vaughan Evans, Ms Jill Raine, Mr. Michael Swan and Mr. Otto Trott were selected by the Department of Cultural Affairs and will be on show as of next week.

Sponsored by UNESCO, the Carib Art exhibition first opened in Curacao two years ago in an attempt to highlight contemporary Caribbean art and encourage an exchange of ideas. It also aims to show how European, African and Indian influences have left their mark on Caribbean contemporary art.