Musical adventure is the name of the game for children attending Art in the Park sessions at Victoria Park this month.

Sponsored by the newly-founded registered charity, Art Start, the weekly two-and-one-half-hour sessions have been designed to introduce children from ages one month to ten years to the arts through the medium of music, painting, arts and crafts.

Because Bermuda offers limited opportunities for young children to be exposed to live music tailored to their tastes, Art in the Park has invited local musicians to donate their time and talent as part of the overall programme.

"Since our objective is to further musical opportunities for children in Bermuda, Art in the Park surrounds them with live music in an outdoor environment, where we have non-stop performances ranging from a single piccolo player to an entire band,'' chairperson and organiser Shelly Hamill explains.

Youngsters arriving at Victoria Park for the 9.30 a.m. start are greeted by a costumed character and live music from the bandstand. They are then invited to touch real musical instruments before a half-hour concert begins, following which they participate in a variety of tactile activities, including working with clay, painting and colouring.

The entire programme, which ends at 12 noon, is free and open to all.

"It has been fashioned after the Children's Day Art Park programme that is successfully managed by the Austin Symphony in Austin, Texas,'' Mrs. Hamill explains. "That programme has been nationally recognised by the National Endowment for the Arts and the American Symphony Orchestra (ASO) League. In fact, the ASO youth programmes have been chosen as one of the nine most outstanding and innovative music education programmes in the US.'' Locally, the Art in the Park series has thus far proved an overwhelming success, with an estimated attendance of between 350 and 600 youngsters at previous sessions.

Among the local artists taking part thus far have been flautist Nancy Smith, trumpeter Tim Rhodes, and the group Tempo. David Arorash has also been giving airbrush demonstrations, and Masterworks hosted an arts and crafts table at one session.

The next programme, on July 29, will feature the sounds of the Island Steel Band and Limbo, and Gene (Steede) and Friends.

Children's artistic talent Corporate sponsorship for Art in the Park has come from Allianz Risk Transfer, Overseas Partners Ltd., Butterfield & Vallis, Benevides & Associates, Gibbons Deposit, Stockton Reinsurance, and the Bank of Bermuda Ltd., but more funds are needed. Anyone wishing to assist financially should make their cheques payable to Art Start Charity, and mail them to Mrs. Hamill at P.O. Box CR228, Hamilton Parish CRBX. For further information, contact Mrs. Hamill as follows: telephone 293-2809, fax 292-3186, e-mail: shamill yibl.bm.