With its tenth anniversary looming on the horizon, Masterworks has announced that its first Artist in Residence will be Bermudian Jason Semos.

Describing the projected opening on April 1 of the studio-cum-living quarters for Mr. Semos at their recently acquired premises at Dockyard as being a"low profile ribbon-cutting occasion'', Masterworks' Tom Butterfield points out that this is just one of several projects that are coming to fruition in this important year.

The Dockyard building, to be known as Masterworks Terrace Gallery, will also house a museum, shop and gallery. It is expected that this latest project will bring a closer association between the Arts Centre and Masterworks.

"Our actual anniversary is in July and we will hold a special show at the National Gallery but, no, we're not having a big, splashy affair as we don't have that kind of money. We prefer to spend what we do have on furthering a number of aims, and the Artist in Residence is one of those schemes. After all,'' he adds, "Masterworks was originally formed to bring Bermuda art back home so, in a sense, we are providing a setting for today's artists to come here and work, as people like Winslow Homer did at the turn of the century.'' Noting that one of those famous artists was Andrew Wyeth, Mr. Butterfield also reveals that the Foundation will bring back one of his Bermuda works on loan for the tenth anniversary.

They are also bringing back the final oil version of Albert Gleizes's "Maison de Gouvenir''. On loan for two months, Mr. Butterfield remarks that this picture represents the first time and cubist art of that magnitude has been returned, if only temporarily, to its native soil. "Our Artist in Residence programme is important, because we believe that this is where the next Andrew Wyeth will be found.'' Explaining that a Bermudian had been selected as the first "Resident'', Mr.

Butterfield says, "We thought it would be a great opportunity to show that we support local artists and it makes sense to have a local person while we iron out any kinks that the scheme may have. We have an English artist coming in July, a German in August and a Cana dian artist, Karen Kulyk, is coming in September.'' Praising Jason Semos as an outstandingly talented young artist, Mr.

Butterfield points out that he has already earned recognition in Canada where he was awarded a grant by the Canadian Council to create installations in Ontario.

Speaking on the "wildly successful'' Artists Encounters that Masterworks has held for young people, Mr. Butterfield says this all forms part of the Foundation's original mission.

"The collection was always meant to inform at some level and through it, we have been able to inform and to help children learn about art in a very exciting and hands-on way. The reaction of these kids has been just amazing.'' Run by volunteers (headed by Connie Cooney) at Admiralty House the children's workshops have been held every Saturday throughout the winter after a successful summer run under Tripp West. Now, the Spring session has just started and, due to demand, is being held in the morning and afternoon. The popularity of this programme and the warm support of parents from all walks of life has made it almost a certainty that a summer session will also be held at Admiralty House, with the possibility of a summer camp being held at Dockyard.

"Unusually, children drop out of these sort of courses, but we've had them signing up right until the very last session. It's probably one of the most rewarding things that Masterworks has ever done,'' says assistant director Elise Outerbridge.

"These Artists Encounters have revealed a real need in the community.

Finally, I think people are realising the importance of being well-rounded, educationally and an admission -- even by die-hards that the arts are an integral part of that process and actually helps academic success.

"Our mission statement was to bring art to everyone -- and that is what we are doing with these children. Every child is interpreting Bermuda in his or her own way.'' "In the past,'' she adds, "the arts were put on the back burner but there seems to have been a change of heart and educators are finally beginning to understand that there is far more to life than sports! Bermuda is now experiencing tremendous success everywhere on the arts front.'' To underline its close commitment to education, Masterworks is also joining forces with the Bermuda High School to hold an Arts Auction on April 30.

"Parents will put in bids for artwork and the proceeds will be split between ourselves and the school,'' explains Mrs. Outerbridge. "This has also grown out of the Artists Encounters programme and will involve the children of Primary 7.'' NEW ERA FOR MASTERWORKS -- As it celebrates its tenth anniversary this year, Masterworks is renovating The Terrace Gallery at Dockyard. Pictured are (left to right): Alison Anson, volunteer in charge of project, trustee Val Brown, Masterworks assistant director Elise Outerbridge and trustee Beryl Brown of The Studio, architects of the renovation.

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