-- as an artist! While Mr. Wegman is famous as the creator of photographs, videos, children's books and more using big, brown Weimaraner dogs usually dressed up as humans, there is another side to his talent, and it is this which he has chosen to share with Bermuda.

Entitled Bermuda Postcards, Mr. Wegman's first local exhibition will feature specifically created watercolours into which he has incorporated old Bermuda Postcards in a unique, and at times humorous, way.

According to independent curator and print publisher Julie Sylvester Cabot, who is not only a personal friend of the artist's, but arranged this exhibition on behalf of ACE, in whose Atrium Gallery it is being held, Mr.

Wegman's work will echo some of his early drawings.

"Bill always makes either personal or generally very humorous drawings,'' she explains. "What he has created for his Bermuda exhibition is a welcome return to the very early drawings that he used to make, so they are significant in that way.'' The idea for a Bermuda exhibition arose out of a visit Mr. Wegman made here some time ago.

"Bill was in Bermuda seven years ago visiting me. We have worked together before, and he asked me to find some old Bermuda postcards, which I managed to track down and send him,'' Mrs. Sylvester Cabot relates.

"Then he asked for more, and with these he has painted a series of approximately 18 x 22-inch watercolours incorporating the actual postcards.

Bill has used the postcards as a take-off point, and has created scenes of what he thinks is really happening in them. Generally, they are extremely funny.'' Mrs. Sylvester Cabot says that having an international artist of Mr. Wegman's stature custom-create an exhibition especially for Bermuda is not only uncommon but also an honour, and it also sets a new course for the reinsurance giant's Atrium Gallery on Woodbourne Avenue.

"ACE will be having exhibitions of more internationally known artists who have the same sort of relationship to Bermuda -- who have either visited, or may come down and do something for Bermuda,'' she explains.

Mr. Wegman arrives today for tonight's opening reception, following which he will return to his commitments in the United States.

Bermuda Postcards will continue through December 31, 2000. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and admission is free. For further information telephone 297-3038.

Meanwhile, Mr. Wegman's passion for photographing Weimaraner dogs continues to bring him international fame.

His love affair with the breed began he went west to California in 1970 and acquired hist first Weimaraner, Man Ray. Hitting on the idea of dressing the dog up in all sorts of outfits, and posing him in all sorts of ways, Man Ray's endearing dead pan presence quickly became a central figure in his master's photographs and videotapes. Together, they made a name for themselves in the art world and beyond.

After Mr. Wegman and Man Ray moved to New York in 1972, their successful collaboration continued for a further 12 years, during which the dog was even named "Man of the Year'' by the Village Voice newspaper.

In 1986, a new Weimaraner, Fay Ray, came into the photographer's life, beginning another famous collaboration, and when her litter arrived three years later, Mr. Wegman's cast grew to include Fay's daughters, Battina and Crooky, and son Chundo. The newest cast member is Battina's son Chip, whom the photographer describes as "a natural born star''.

Today, Mr. Wegman is internationally known, and his photographs, videotapes, paintings and drawings have been exhibited in museums and galleries worldwide.

Retrospectives of his work have travelled to museums as far apart as Europe, Australia and Japan, and his video segments have appeared regularly on Sesame Street since 1989. In addition, he has created film and video works for Saturday Night Live and Nickelodeon.

Mr. Wegman's most recent video, Mother Goose, had its world premier screening this year at the Chicago Children's International Film Festival.

His other works include a number of children's books in which the characters have human hands and feet but canine faces.

Moore or Less: William Wegman's interpretation of the area surrounding Tom Moore's Tavern, entitled The Poet's House and Raft, expands on the old postcard incorporated into his painting.

Photos courtesy of William Wegman studio Wegman's Whimsy: Old postcards Thread & Needle Street (above), Calabash Tree on the Way to the Peak (below left) and Banana Tree (below right) are transformed by US artist William Wegman.