art collection, and now it is joining forces with one of its teachers, well-known local artist Sharon Wilson to get the project rolling.

"We have many Bermudian artists who are creative at the College, and we felt this should be the place to develop a permanent art collection of works done by resident artists in Bermuda,'' Dean of the faculty of Adult and Continuing Education, Mr. Wayne Wilson, explained. "Sharon has taught with us for a number of years, and when she approached us to give a presentation of her work and art in Bermuda, we decided to link the two and use the evening to launch the project.'' Noting that the Bermuda College has already established an Acquisitions Committee compromising faculty members Dr. Charles Zuill, Edwin Smith and himself, with a view to developing a policy for acquiring art for the College's permanent collection, Dean Wilson explained that the public would be invited to donate funds to enable purchases to be made.

"We will be looking for work from established artists,'' Mr. Wilson assured.

In addition, he anticipated that other well-known Bermudian artists would be invited to hold events similar to Miss Wilson's on an annual basis, the proceeds of which would also benefit the permanent collection.

"What we are trying to do is develop more awareness on the part of our students as to the high quality work that Bermudian artists do,'' Mr. Wilson said. "Our hope over the years is that we will have a high-quality exhibition that will be on display for students on a continuing basis. It is part and parcel of building a tradition at the College.'' For her part, Miss Wilson says she has wanted to something for the Bermudian public for some time, and particularly those who are not actively involved in art.

"My presentation is an opportunity not only to present my works, but also to focus on people who have generally had an interest in art but do not know much about the artists, or who would just generally enjoy a slide presentation where they could ask art-related questions at the end,'' she explained.

Miss Wilson is a figurative painter who works in pastels. She is also the illustrator of two picture books for children.

"An Evening with Sharon Wilson: The Artist and Her Work'' will take place in the North Lecture Hall Theatre (Room G301) of the Bermuda College on Monday, February 21 at 7 p.m. Admission is $5, and donations for the Bermuda College Permanent Art Collection are also welcomed.

Slide show: "Secrets'' by Sharon Wilson is among many paintings the well-known Bermudian artist will include in her slide presentation at the Bermuda College on February 21.

ARTISTS ART