this year Bermuda's oldest art organisation is seeking to change all that.

The Bermuda Society of Arts, now in its 41st year, is hoping their annual unjuried summer show, which opens to the public on Saturday July 12, will be considered not so much "unjuried'' as open -- as in to anything.

"Anything within reason,'' jested new BSoA president Eldon Trimingham, who took on the position at the annual general meeting this April. Renowned for his realist paintings of marine scenes himself, Mr. Trimingham is anxious for artists of all styles, media and experience to find harbour in the BSoA gallery. "We are looking for photographs, tapestries; anything you can get your hands on is art.'' The BSoA holds an annual photography show in their top floor, City Hall gallery. But the governing body are now seeking to reintegrate artistic media, including photographic works in their regular members' exhibitions. "As I understand some years ago photographs were included in most BSoA shows,'' said Mr. Trimingham. "But our artists seem to have lost track of that.

"The whole idea is to bring new members into the society. We have a really good space here and we want artists to take advantage of it. We want the space to be full of paintings, sculptures, pottery -- everything and anything.'' With a mind to including video installations in their group exhibitions later on in the year, the BSoA are also looking for video and film artists to join.

"At the moment we don't really have anyone on board who knows a lot about video,'' said Mr. Trimingham. "The gallery is always available for rental to any group who wants to stage a special exhibition as well. For example there may be groups of graphic designers and illustrators, or architects who want to put together a special show of their work.'' Summer is also open season in the BSoA's Edinburgh gallery, found next to the main West Gallery. A mixed media show of works by participating BSoA members will run in the gallery throughout the summer, while the gallery is not booked for special shows.

The drop-off dates for submissions to the Bermuda Society of Arts Summer Open Members' Show are this Saturday and Monday. Entry forms for works submitted for both shows are available from the gallery. Gallery hours are from 10 a.m.

through 4 p.m. daily. For more information phone the BSoA gallery at 292-3824.

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