A TEAM of students spent last week discovering how art can bring history to life courtesy of a workshop organised by Masterworks and the St. George's Foundation. As part of the programme, kids travelled to various locations in St. George's to gain a better appreciation of "the stories behind the pictures and the history that makes the picture live".

Organisers hailed the scheme a success, explaining that it exposed children between the ages of eight and 12 to the significant role art plays in historical and cultural events on the island.

"It is a pleasure for Masterworks to partner with another organisation such as the St. George's Foundation that also strives to provide innovative educational programmes for the community," said Masterworks' education coordinator Carrie Zenti. "This four-day workshop is a unique opportunity to investigate a few select works of art from the Bermuda-inspired collection - in a greater historical context provided by Mrs. Burchall - that are particular to St. George's, dating back to 1821. Students are able to walk the same steps that select artists did, such as Bermuda's own Catherine Tucker on Water Street in 1934, and then spend time capturing their own original impressions of the same location in their sketchbooks."

The workshop partnered two programmes as a means of teaching those involved to view art (including photographs) as a primary source - the St. George's Foundation's RIP It (Research, Interpret and Present It) and Masterworks' Artsmart.

Students spent August 4 through 7 visiting the World Heritage Centre at Pennos Wharf and various sites in St. George's to learn "what artefacts are and how to see photographs and paintings as important pieces of historical material".

"Our aim was to show students the important place that primary sources play in human beings' understandings of their past and the significance that they place on present events," said Leondra Burchall, director of education for the St. George's Foundation.

"This is an important part of our core educational endeavour here at the St. George's Foundation. Teaming up with Masterworks was a perfect coupling because of our mutual interest in education and the importance of art.

"Each day students viewed a St. George's painting during a site visit and then we encouraged them to sketch their own version then visit Caffe Latte's cyber café to blog their comparative analysis and observations. In this way we hoped to marry an appreciation for the past with the modern technology of the computer, which we hope shows the students that history, art and computer technology are not mutually exclusive."

Participants expressed enthusiasm over the programme, agreeing they found the artwork especially appealing.

"I'm really enjoying it," said 11-year-old Michael James Denbrook Jr. explaining it pairs his love of technology and drawing. "My parents sent me because it's an art class and my art teacher always says that my art is the greatest in the class. Sometimes I copy drawings off computers and they're really nice."

Kristy Thomas of Virginia, here visiting her dad on holiday, had a similar interest in the course.

"I like to draw and sketch and paint," the 12 year old explained. "I don't learn much about art in my school so I usually go to art camps to get as much as I can learn there and my mom's a graphic designer so I also learn there."

Nine-year-olds Brandon Phillips and Priya Lewis said they were drawn to the programme by their love of art. "I like sketching," said Brandon, adding that of the drawings he completed on the course, his favourite was "a normal cedar tree".

Added Pryia: "I love art. I've always loved art. Drawing has been my favourite part of the camp."

Marcus Brangman admitted he found art a bit "complicated" but was eager to learn.

"My mom signed me up so I'm just trying my best," the eight year old said. "I like a lot of things - drawing a bike. Art is kind of complicated in school but I like it."

The four-day workshop developed in response to an identified need, Ms Zenti added.

"(It) evolved from connections made while attending periodic meetings with other community-minded educators from non-traditional organisations with resources to share. The group, known as Leaders in Field Education (LIFE), will also facilitate yearly workshops for educators. The St. George's Foundation and Masterworks have also liaised to coordinate an exhibition of historical artwork from the Masterworks' Collection to travel to an upcoming exhibition in Jamestown entitled 'Jamestown and Bermuda: Virginia Company Colonies'."

In one day alone, she said, the students were able to discern similarities and differences in architecture, transportation and clothing.

"Using art as an educational vehicle for enriched learning is a great exercise for a better understanding of our own surroundings and the world in which we live,'' the education coordinator said "(Tuesday we investigated) a preliminary sketch and painting by George Ault from 1922 that captures a scene of Somers Garden, which has recently been reunited and is currently on display in the museum. This four-day workshop is one of many ongoing opportunities facilitated in part by Masterworks to share the undiscovered treasures of The Masterworks Collection with the community."

Later in the week the students were treated to a guided tour of Masterworks' new museum in the Botanical Gardens to see the original works of art on display.

Added Ms Zenti: "The Masterworks Summer Art Adventures Programme is also currently running in the Bermuda Botanical Gardens with over 140 students throughout July and August. Masterworks is fortunate to be granted such an inspired setting in the gardens and have a fantastic staff led by Tiffany Paynter which enables Masterworks to continue to do additional outreach programmes such as this four-day joint workshop based in the World Heritage Site of St. George's."

Details of upcoming Masterworks' workshops for all ages are available at www.bermudamasterworks.com. Please click on 'workshops'. For more information, send an email to Ms Zenti, edumworkslogic.bm, or telephone 236-2950.