THE Bermuda art community is to lose one of its venerable institutions later this year.

The Windjammer Gallery, a constant on the corner of King and Reid Streets since it opened more than two decades ago, is to close at the end of August.

The gallery opened November 1, 1980, the brainchild of the late artist Susan Curtis and Dana Goodfellow.

"Especially because my mother was an artist, she was very interested in the art world in Bermuda which was very small back then," explained the gallery's manager/owner Devon Moss. "It's grown immensely in the last 20-odd years. I can't remember how many we had to start, but we now represent approximately 50 local and foreign artists."

To represent an artist well, Mrs. Moss explained, involves more than simply selling his or her work. In that role, a gallery is expected to provide feedback on new work, make sure the public is aware of the artist and their talent, and, in hanging work, make sure it's done in such a way that it highlights the artist's skill.

Perhaps its because such high standards were maintained by the Windjammer Gallery for so many years, that even as it prepares to close, 'professional' is the word most artists use to describe it.

"It's just really sad," said Sheilagh Head, a highly-esteemed artist who has exhibited with the gallery for many years. "It is a professionally-run gallery. I think that some of Bermuda's finest artists have been represented by (it) and they've also represented such well-known overseas artists as marine painter, Steven Dews."

Respected talent Bruce Stuart said the gallery's professionalism was one of the reasons why 650 of his paintings are listed in its files.

"I've shown with them since 1981 and been with them pretty much since then," he said. "It is sad to see it go. I think it will be a shame because it was such an arts centre. (Mrs. Curtis) made it that way. She nurtured everyone. She wasn't just a gallery owner, she was an artist as well which is what is so missed today.

"She brought a higher quality to Bermuda's art scene. She brought people in and she kept it at that standard which is what made it the best gallery on the island. I want to thank them for the support they gave me the whole time I was there."

Artists Diana and Eric Amos have exhibited with the Gallery for many years and will continue their affiliation with it. Their work graces The Bermuda Colours Calendar, a Gallery calendar now in its 14th year of publication, which comes out in the next two weeks.

"It is very sad," said Mrs. Amos. "I started with the Windjammer Gallery. I had the first solo show there when it first opened. I hope that Devon will be able to find another location that works for the gallery in the future. The calendar has really been a great promotion for Bermuda and we will continue to work on that with Devon."

Situated in what once was a private home, the grounds on which Windjammer Gallery is located include Hamilton's only private garden. At present, what will happen to the building in the future remains unknown.

Mrs. Moss said she planned to close the Gallery's doors on August 31.

Until then, the Spring Show would run through next Saturday when it would be replaced with a wide selection of original art by local artists.

"I just want to thank our clients for all their support over the years," Mrs. Moss added. "They're all extremely upset about the whole thing but they understand why I have to do this. It is extremely sad. My mother started this and I wanted to continue it.

"And it's very, very sad that the largest gallery on the island is shutting down. But so many artists have their own studios today, it makes it difficult to compete. I will continue doing the calendar and, in the next few years, might revisit the idea of opening up another gallery depending on the economy, tourism, whether or not there's affordable rental space.

"I'd love to reopen in five years but it's just not feasible now to continue it."

The Windjammer Gallery, which closes August 31, is located on the corner of Reid and King Streets. For more information, please telephone 292-7861.