You never know what you'll overhear in a coffee shop – as artist Trevor (Cosmic Consciousness) Todd discovered to his good fortune one day at the Rock Island Coffee Shop. There, a nearby couple were discussing his art, which was hanging on the walls, and he could not resist walking over and introducing himself.

Mitch Blaser, chief financial officer of Ironshore Insurance Ltd., and his wife were newly arrived on the Island, and they were in search of Bermuda art for the bare walls of their Belmont Hills home.

A friendship with the artist was quickly established, as a result of which the couple not only purchased six of Mr. Todd's paintings but also encouraged him to hold a solo exhibition.

A regular patron at the Blu Bar and Grill, Mr. Blaser thought it would make an ideal location, so he talked to the management and received their approval, as well as that of the his fellow residents.

In the course of their discussions, Mr. Todd indicated that, in addition to showing his work, he would like to do something for the community, so he decided that five of his paintings would be offered for sale by silent auction, with the proceeds going to five different charities of his choice. Each charity would choose from the five the one to be auctioned in its name.

Meanwhile, Mr. Blaser took the concept to the charity committee of his company, who said it was exactly the sort of thing it liked to sponsor. As a result, the company has been helping with the cost of printing invitations, posters, limited edition lithographs of two of Mr. Todd's works, as well as underwriting the cost of the March 14 cocktail reception.

The theme of Mr. Todd's mixed-media show, which he regards as part two of a similar exhibition last year, is 'Colour and Healing'.

"Since I am a colour and sound healer this is an extension of who I am, and it also ties in with my love of abstract art and colour," he says.

In fact, the artist had been mulling over another show following last year's exhibition at the Kafu Gallery, because he wanted the public to see some of the large pieces which were unfinished at that time.

"I felt that now was the time to introduce them to the public, and while planning how I wanted to present these works I also began to think about what I could do to give back to my community," he says.

This is the first time Mr. Todd has raised funds for charity, and he has chosen Greenrock, Alzheimer's Support Group, Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation, Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre, and the Women's Resource Centre as beneficiaries. Bidding on the paintings in the silent auction will begin at $800.

The exhibition will run from March 14-April 3. The official opening on March 14 is from 6.28 p.m. to 8.38 p.m.

"It is a wonderful idea and we are hoping to get as many people out as possible to spend a little money for charity," says Mr. Blaser, who is one of his supporters and sponsors. "Also, we are supporting the Women's Resource Centre, so whatever funds are arrived at in the silent auction Ironshore will match that."