The St. George's Foundation's 2004 calendar recently hit the bookshelves.

The calendar brings the Old Town's history to life and celebrates the work of one of Bermuda's most talented artists, Molly D. Smith, by featuring her watercolours of the town's architecture, streets and alleys.

The delicacy of Mrs. Smith's watercolours, combined with the subject matter, makes for truly memorable images.

"The Foundation extends its deepest appreciation to Mrs. Smith for the generous donation of her work. It is a gift that enriches us all," said David Rowntree, Chairman of the St. George's Foundation.

Mrs. Smith is pleased to share her work with others through the calendar. "My husband and I love the Old Town of St. George's, so rich in Bermuda's earliest form of art; it's architecture," said Mrs. Smith.

"We're pleased that it has become a World Heritage Site and we hope that this calendar will help the Foundation to raise funds needed to restore and preserve this living legacy."

Said St. George's Foundation Executive Director Sharon Jacobs: "Proceeds from the sale of the calendar will be used towards four key fundraising objectives, creating a World Heritage Visitor Centre, waterfront development, restoration of town streets and a Revolving and Endowment Fund."

"As in previous years the calendar has been supported by a number of businesses which have generously donated their time, services and expertise to the project.

"We are so pleased with Mrs. Smith's generous donation to help us in this fundraising event, she's been very kind to offer her paintings to us and we just think the calendar is beautiful and hope that every one who uses it will enjoy it.

"She had some material from, as I understand, over a period of 18 months and had been focusing on St. George's. She did share with us those 12 paintings and we thought it would be a wonderful idea for the calendar and she kindly agreed to work with us.

She's a very delightful lady and was very kind to help us and support the town of St. George's in all of the projects we do work on in bringing history to life for future generations."

The fourth edition of the calendar, which is retailing for $12, also features historical vignettes, large pages for greater space and dates for public holidays in Bermuda, Canada, UK and US.

AdVantage Ltd. provided design and production and Island Press did the printing.

The calendar is available at supporting retailers islandwide, including Crackerbox in St. George's and Hodge Podge in Hamilton, and is also available from the St. George's Foundation at 15 Duke of York Street (above Crackerbox) or may be ordered by phone at 297-8043, fax at 297-2479 or you can email at stgeofoundationibl.bm.

Companies wishing to have a supply of the calendar as corporate gifts can also place orders at the St. George's Foundation office. "We encourage people to give us a call if they would like to stock them for retail and obviously they are available to the visitors," said Mrs. Jacobs.

"People walking around St. George's get to see all these wonderful alleys and then take home a momento. When you go through the stores you will see a majority of the 2004 calendars are out as of June and that seems to be pretty standard. Many people do buy calendars way in advance, so this is always a big push during the summer to get the calendars out.

"People have been responsive to the calendars and it is a good way to alert people to the goals of the organisation. When you open the top cover you also see some information about the St. George's Foundation so someone who purchases the calendar gets a feel for the sorts of projects and happenings in the town... and the fact that it is a World Heritage Site."

Since its inauguration in 1997, the St. George's Foundation has been raising funds through public-private partnerships to benefit historic St. George's.

Working in partnership with Government, the Corporation of St. George's, and through to the generous support of Belco, it has been responsible for numerous restoration and improvement projects in the town.

They include: Barber's Alley, Blacksmith's Hill, Customs House Square, Featherbed Alley, One Gun Alley, a section of Penno's Drive, Pilot Darrell's Square, Pound Alley, Smith's Garden, Taylor's Alley and Water Street.

Initial improvements by the utility companies to Broad Alley, Chapel Lane, Church Lane and Duke of Clarence Street have begun. The St. George's Foundation is presently raising funds for improvements to Shinbone Alley.

l About the artist: Molly Smith arrived in Bermuda in 1946 and has Bermuda status. The need to earn a steady income precluded Molly from studying art for a career. She did enjoy painting and drawing as a hobby, but gave it up about 45 years ago when her time was devoted to pursuing a demanding law office post and raising a family.

However, upon retirement, she turned back to art. Virtually self-taught, she has attended workshops in Bermuda and overseas and conducted by well-known British and American artists.

She has received numerous commissions for her paintings and in 1992 was elected a member of the Society of Botanical Artists of Great Britain. She loves painting Bermuda's unique architecture and its flowers, foliage and seascapes.