THIS is a duet long anticipated, not least by the artists themselves who feel that their work complements that of the other. Though this will be a show of landscapes and "people-scapes", of oils and pastels, it will be from two powerhouses among the local artists.

Both are painters of international renown. Sheilagh Head's paintings are among those exhibited by the professional member-artists of The Copley Society who are chosen from all over the United States.

Sharon Wilson's illustrations of children's books are so widely appreciated they are award-winning, and she uses her story-telling abilities in paintings that communicate aspects of the human condition with which we can all identify.

Although neither artist could possibly be described as being hidebound by the past, both care deeply about preserving what to them is of value, what in their view is essential to Bermuda. Both have been affected by the changes currently taking place and their mutual reaction can be seen in the choice of subjects for this exhibition.

"I don't know that it's evident in my work, but the fact that the world is changing ? and particularly watching Bermuda change ? has had the ripple effect of making me re-examine my position, and search for a new direction," Ms Wilson said.

"Although I've been wary of doing so for a long time, I've painted a scene of Gombeys. It fascinated me to revisit a stonecutters' quarry because it is heritage, and I don't think it will exist much longer."

Mrs. Head shared this opinion that in order to find new direction, it is important to visit the past: "At a time when it is distressing to see so much of Bermuda's natural resource ? its land ? being consumed by concrete, I find myself going back to the what is unchanging.

"I know the beach will always be there, that certain gardens will remain as painters' paradises.

"What attracts me to so many of the houses I paint is that they grew naturally, along with the practical needs of the family ? another roof added to shelter the grandchildren ? but always incorporating the design elements that had been handed down for generations.

"These houses may be facing planned obsolescence, as many are being replaced by an unfamiliar breed of buildings, where the use of traditional features is entirely inappropriate."

Both artists have a common feeling that what they have to say is best said pictorially, and it's entirely appropriate that the island should have an opportunity to see this work during Heritage Month.

Don't miss the chance to see Sheilagh and Sharon together with which will run from Sunday until July 1 at the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard.