arts show which opens at the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard this weekend.

Ms Julie Hastings-Smith, who recently took over as curator of the gallery, says that contributing artists have been encouraged to paint on anything but canvas and paper.

"Applied art'' is a term used to describe the design or decoration of functional objects so as to render them aesthetically pleasing. Currently, there is an upsurge of interest in this branch of the arts -- especially in painted furniture, walls and floors, which can produce a trompe-l'oeil effect.

Says Ms Hastings-Smith, "The show will include household items, such as flower pots, mirrors, firescreens, doors, shutters and all types of furniture.

There are also wall-hangings which brings in the art of painting on fabric -- even painted clothes and sneakers!'' Arts Centre committee member Mrs. Helen Whight says she hopes this show will alter the concept of their annual craft show to that of applied arts.

"We want to push people to do something completely different and to realise that applied arts draws heavily on surrealism and the art of other cultures.

It has suddenly become trendy to decorate entire rooms with painted designs on a particular theme, or to embellish plain furniture.'' The preview for members opens tomorrow at 4 p.m. and The Painted Object opens to the public on Monday, November 15. The show runs through December 28.

Gallery hours are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. It is closed Mondays.