Artists will be showing off their talents at the Charman Prize next month.

An international panel of experts will judge the entries under an overriding theme of “Bermuse”, paying attention to design and composition, use of material, distinctive and convincing style and source of inspiration.

Elise Outerbridge, curator and director of collections at Masterworks, said in a press release: “The Charman Prize brings together a cross-section of artists in the community and we’ve had a record number of applicants this year.

“It’s pretty special that an island of so few people can get this many entries and this calibre of work submitted. We see emerging artists next to established artists and it is all judged by three independent jurors so it is solely on merit of artwork and not who you are.”

Jury members are Laszlo Cser (professional conservationist — Toronto), Linda Wilde (art lecturer and historian — United States) and Robin Light (owner and founder of Crane Kalman Gallery — London).

John Charman, sponsor and patron of the competition, has donated art kits to be handed out to the first 50 children, aged 5 to 14, that attend the opening of the event at the Butterfield Family Gallery at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art on Friday, October 13.

The grand prize-winning artist wins $10,000 for an artwork that embodies an outstanding example of the judging criteria.

A prize of $5,000 will be given for an artwork that demonstrates learning of techniques and understanding of medium in the emerging artist category.

Three judges’ prizes of $2,000 are awarded for artworks that are outstanding examples of each of the criteria, and a Masterworks Choice in which the Museum selects one artwork to purchase and enter into the permanent collection.

Ms Outerbridge said: “It’s a very exciting time and I know people get excited about the opening and finding out who will win.”

Mr Charman, a local businessman and avid art collector, established the Prize in 2008 with the opening of the Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art in its permanent home in Botanical Gardens.

The art prize is open to local artists based in Bermuda and Bermudians abroad and is intended to exhibit artwork inspired by Bermuda as well as honour and support contemporary artists.

The entries are displayed in the Butterfield Family Gallery, which is usually home to the Museum’s permanent collection, until February 15, 2018, and all works on display in the competition will be available for purchase.

For more information about the Charman Prize, telephone 299-4000.