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The true centerpiece of the island’s art scene is Masterworks, Bermuda’s premier museum that tells unique stories of Bermudian culture year round. ”
October 24, 2024
We honour the PAST with our COLLECTION as the custodian of Bermuda’s greatest national artistic treasures for the benefit of local and global audiences, now and for generations to come.
We champion the PRESENT through our GALLERY by providing the critical support for contemporary artists to develop their practice and exhibit in Bermuda, in the most prestigious gallery space on the Island.
We shape the FUTURE, using our EDUCATION programme as a launchpad for artistic careers and creative ambitions in the community. Connecting aspiring young creatives with established artists and providing real-world experiences for curious minds.
Vibrant. Dynamic. Passionate.
To me, these three words capture the spirit of our Masterworks community. Your energy, enthusiasm, and unwavering support are what make us the cultural heart of Bermuda.
As you look back on our 2024 highlights, I hope you recall with joy the moments you shared with us. This year, we expanded our reach, deepened our community connections, and celebrated the incredible creative talent that defines our Island.
Earlier this year, we announced an ambitious goal: to create Bermuda’s first Art & Design Centre in a historic landmark building within the Botanical Gardens. Over the past several months, we ' ve been diligently working on this transformative project, and we look forward to sharing more details in the months ahead.
Though change is on the horizon for Masterworks, our mission for 2025 remains unwavering. We will continue to champion local artists, preserve our rich heritage, and nurture the future of Bermuda's creativity.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Your support brings our stories to life, infusing our art with meaning and making Masterworks a vibrant space for all.
Ever since my departure from the day-to-day routines and obligations I have been and continue to be quite astonished at all the activities that take place in the name of Masterworks Museum. It is most refreshing to witness its continued growth and alignment with the vision and mission as set out over 37 years ago. As almost 4 decades have passed it is hard to imagine that what started out as a possibility has surpassed probability and is today a mainstay of the Island’s cultural essence.
There are a lot of people to thank including staff, board members and of course our benefactors. Without this combination the likelihood of flourishing would be greatly diminished. Our Director Risa Hunter has shown full capabilities of leadership, passion and dedication.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you for your participation, whether a donor, volunteer or enthusiast of our work: you have shaped our Museum and I am so appreciative.
Thank you so very much,
19 Exhibitions in the Butterfield, Rick Faries, and Mezzanine Galleries
152
173
Visitors to the Museum 4053 In local artist earnings through artwork sales and workshops $165K
Education and learning experiences (workshops, lectures, talks, tours)
Collection artworks on display
107 Exhibiting contemporary Bermuda artists
CULTURE. We bring Bermuda’s history into lively dialogue with contemporary culture, igniting curiosity and imagination through the power and beauty of artistic inquiry.
CREATIVITY. As the leading arts education centre on the Island, we make artistic and creative expression come to life for the benefit of all ages and backgrounds.
CONNECTION. With an audiencecentric approach, we expand and diversify public programmes to attract new audiences, encouraging our visitors to connect on a deeper level with one another and the Museum.
C H A R M A N P R I Z E 2 0 2 3 T H E L O C A L S E E N ; B E R M U D A A N D B E R M U D I A N S
I N T H E M O D E R N W O R L D
DECEMBER 16 - MARCH 31
Curated by Jasmine Lee. Support for The Charman Prize is graciously provided by John and Lorraine Charman.
The prize presentation ceremony took place on March 28, 2024.
Dr. Madeleine Hadden, Karole Dill Barkley, and Amanda Coulson.
Prize: $2,500
“Arts-based programmes can give children skills for self-reflection, selfexpression and verbal communication. It not only promotes stress recovery, but it also supports learning and development.”
- Susan Magsamen, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us
Workshops and classes 68 at-a-glance*
819 Hours of learning
512 Workshop participants
Artist facilitators 17
$114k
Class and camp revenue
*Education Programme statistics coincide with school year September 2023 - June 2024
Each term centres on an element of art and design. This year we took a deep dive into Movement, Form, Colour, and Texture exploring mediums such as watercolour, acrylic, inks, printmaking, paper-making, colour theory, ceramics, paint making, and cardboard and paper sculpture.
We design art programmes for various groups within our community to include school break art camps, afterschool classes, teen workshops and short courses, adult classes and workshops, intergenerational art spaces, open studio sessions, and artist skill-shares.
Camps were held for each school break including mid-term, winter holiday, half-term, Spring break, and Summer break.
Situated in the Botanical Gardens, Masterworks has the unique opportunity to engage young artists with nature’s colours, materials, and forces. A few camps were collaborations with our next-door neighbour, The AgraLiving Institute, offering even greater exposure to nature-based art and activity.
This summer, visiting kids’ camps received free admission and tours to view and engage with the Looking Out: Canadian Artists in Bermuda and Finding Form exhibitions through a thoughtfullycurated Art Detective activity.
Thank you to the Consul General of Canada in New York for their generous support in making free admission possible.
Our 10-week afterschool programme runs each term, and is geared toward student groups aged 6 - 10 and 11 - 16. We welcomed guest artists to share their expertise and perspectives with the students. Classes incorporated real-world exposure with lessons connected to exhibitions in the galleries.
We expanded our offerings to teens, adding workshops to each school break, notably the teen short course entitled Explorations in Art History and Practice. In this month-long series, students developed their art practices with art history discussions, Museum tours, and field trips to iconic landscapes.
Teens also had options for one-off workshops in photography, painting and zine-making, as well as our ongoing afterschool programme.
We’re always learning! Our adult classes and workshops offer the chance to learn a new craft or expand on an already existing skill. This year participants could choose from drawing, painting, printmaking, paper-making, sketching (in watercolour), illustration, colour theory, mixed-media, photography, and woodworking.
This year we introduced Intergenerational Art Space as a vibrant and inclusive haven where people of all ages and abilities could unleash their creativity and connect across generations.
We invited pre-school classes, home-school students, caretakers, stayat-home parents, retirees and elders to make art alongside each other. The space buzzed with excitement and unexpected connections.
Behind the Palette was launched in 2019 featuring Artist Talks, Open Studios and Artist Mixers in an effort to increase Masterworks’ material support of and connection with Bermuda’s valued art community.
This year, Artist Skill-Shares were added to the mix in an effort to host low-cost, low-stakes opportunities for artists to learn from each other.
Ins-and-Outs of Framing with Paige Eversley of Frameworks @ ESC and The Pitch with Nicola Muirhead were sold out Artist Skill-Shares demonstrating the value of learning and exchange within the artist community.
We work to balance our programme costs with the recognition that workshop registration fees are often met as a barrier to entry.
With the generous support of the Ernest and Brendalyn Stempel Foundation, Masterworks now offers a rolling bursary application for parents, guardians, teachers, and social workers to apply on behalf of youth artists to attend any of our child and teen programmes.
We extend our gratitude to our programme supporters, donors and sponsors who know the transformative value of arts education and help to make our work possible.
Masterworks’ Education Programme wouldn't be what it is today without the dedicated artists and facilitators who generously share their talents and passions. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to the success of Masterworks’ Education Programme this year:
Abi Box, ABWilson, Eli Cedrone, Dorina Dobre, Zoë Dyson, Kimberley Fisher, Alia Hamza, Charles Harrop-Griffiths, John Hartman, Sabriyya Harvey, Christina Hutchings, Jess Mapstone, Blair Masters, Nicola Muirhead, Jasmine Lee, Theo Rehbach, Andrew Stevenson, Katherine Summerville, Dr. Sara Thom, Ajani Tucker, Christine Wellman, Meagan Wellman, The AgraLiving Institute, Dementia Bermuda, Frameworks @ ESC.
“I believe that creativity will be the currency of the 21st century.”
- Gerald
Gordon, Ph.D., President/CEO, Fairfax County
(Virginia)
Economic Development Authority
The Masterworks Collection houses over 1,600 pieceswork that spans across over 300 years and includes acclaimed artists such as Winslow Homer, Georgia O’Keeffe, Marsden Hartley and Charles Demuth. Through the Butterfield Gallery, we are able to showcase these irreplaceable cultural and historical treasures.
The Rick Faries Gallery is designed to showcase the talents of Bermuda’s resident contemporary artists, and features monthly exhibitions.
“These two exhibitions showcasing a Canadian view of Bermuda should be of interest to all Bermuda resident art lovers. I highly recommend seeing it several times as there is a lot to see and consider.”
- Charles Zuill
Curated by Dr. Sara Thom, Curatorial Researcher at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art. Support for these exhibitions was graciously provided by the Christian Humann Foundation.
O U T : N A R T I S T S I N A M C L A U G H L I N : F O R M
SEPTEMBER 7
ut: Canadian Artists in evealed the stories of anadian artists, how wed and depicted and the place their artworks hold in their nd in both Canadian dian visual culture.
Laughlin: Finding Form d many never-beforeks on paper by key modern artist, Isabel n (1903-2002).
Catalogue Available Here
NOT ALL HAS TO BE AS IT WAS is curated by Jasmine Lee. Support for this exhibition is graciously provided by an Anonymous Donor.
TO BE AS IT WAS, dian multidisciplinary artist, creative ner and storyteller, ell. Currently living n the UK, Hassell for her first-ever sterworks.
O BE AS IT WAS is laborative exhibition side her work, the ermanent Collection tions with fellow ts Yesha Townsend man. Inspired by the d in the Masterworks ALL HAS TO BE AS IT conceptually and agine the painted ogue Available Here
While installing Gherdai’s exhibition NOT ALL HAS TO BE AS IT WAS, she shared a photograph from 2008, showing herself sitting next to a Georgia O’Keeffe mural in the Masterworks Classroom (pictured top left). Over the past fifteen years, Gherdai has become one of Bermuda’s most celebrated artistic talents, earning both local and international recognition. To see her work now displayed in the Masterworks Museum’s Butterfield Gallery, alongside a Georgia O’Keeffe piece from the collection, was a powerful full-circle moment.
This exhibition stands as a testament to the transformative power of arts education and the vital support of Bermuda’s creative community. It not only celebrates Gherdai’s artistic journey but also highlights the collaborative spirit that nurtures and elevates Bermudian talent.
“Big names like Georgia O’Keeffe, Winslow Homer, Andrew Wyeth and Albert Gleizes headline the collection, but the real treasures are the exhibitions by local artists.”
Novemer 19, 2024
APRIL 12 - MAY 7
Hutchings’ work can be described as being led by an intuitive sense of discovery and experimentation. With a focus on colour and composition, her work ranges from collage, painting and sculpture, to installation.
MAY 10 - JUNE 14
A selection of works from the Redefining the Boundaries between Art and Technology exhibition, which first showcased at the International Tech Summit were on view in the Rick Faries Gallery. The exhibition was curated by Holly Mazar-Fox in collaboration with Penrose Partners. N F T E X H I B I T I O N
M I R R O R S S T U D E N T A R T A N D D I G I T A L C O M P E T I T I O N
F E E L S L I K E H O M E
JULY 5 - JULY 31
The 8th Annual Mirrors Student Art and Digital Competition received a total of 170 entries from young artists in response to the theme Feels Like Home. The competition awarded prizes to student winners as well as various schools for their students’ participation.
JUNE 7 - JULY 2
A recurring group show that features emerging local artists. This year, 441 showcased the multidisciplinary talents of The Healer (Kayuntae Ming), Eira McHugh, Kayla Jackson, and Sabriyya Harvey, who work with many mediums including painting, drawing, collage, and digital art.
L I M E S T O N E T A P E S T R I E S & T H E C L O U D D O S S I E R S
AUGUST 9 - SEPTEMBER 3
BY FAYELLE WHARTON BUSH
While each exhibited their own unique collection of works, the works of these two artists were connected in the exploration of material and texture.
An exploration of texture… The month of August featured two artists, Fayelle Wharton Bush and Dorina Dobre.
AUGUST 26 - SEPTEMBER 6
To commemorate Bermuda’s 6th annual Pride celebration, we showcased the work of photojournalist and visual artist Ishrat (Ish) Yakub. Hidden Places, Sacred Spaces shared the stories and voices of 7 Queer, Black Bermudians.
SEPTEMBER 5 - OCTOBER 1
An exhibition of recently acquired works by local artists from the Masterworks Permanent Collection. Featured artists included Jon Legere, Abi Box, Nhuri Bashir, Christina Hutchings, Jordan Carey, Alice Coutet, and 2023 Charman Collection Prize winner Phoebe Hughes.
The exhibition featured a number of acquisitions paired with new pieces and works in progress by the same artists, evoking continued motifs as well as new paths in their artistic practices.
NOVEMBER 1 - NOVEMBER 26
Vaughronde’ and Lisa Joseph are key members of the Island’s Gombey community and established the Vibe Tribe group in 2023.
Identity featured work in a range of mediums depicting and celebrating Bermuda’s Gombey culture as a dynamic art form. The exhibition showcased paintings, jewellery, purses, and figurines as well as original Gombey masks and regalia.
S U M M E R : A P R E V I E W
OCTOBER 4 - OCTOBER 29
The exhibition highlighted an ongoing documentary series by awardwinning, Bermudian photographer and visual storyteller, Nicola Muirhead entitled Descendants of Summer, an eight-year photographic journey examining Bermuda’s rich and complex heritage.
The work investigates the legacies of our island community, exploring the stories of our heroes and heroines, our ghosts, and demons, and ultimately the tales that bind us - unpacking the diverse narratives that makeup place and identity in Bermuda.
B A L U S T R A D E C A V A L C A D E
NOVEMBER 29 -
DECEMBER 28
An exhibition of new reduction linocut prints by artist, architect, and published author Alex Allardyce. The works were inspired by Victorian "gingerbread" fretwork balustrades, a disappearing architectural element of historic Bermuda buildings.
Now living in Bermuda, Allardyce finds inspiration through the colours and forms of buildings, and Bermuda's particular light, which was also reflected in the subject matter of this exhibition.
One of the works in the exhibition, Botanics I (pictured left), is directly inspired by the Victorian balustrades of Masterworks’ new Art & Design Centre.
Partial proceeds of the prints go towards the continuation of the campaign. A special thank you to Alex Allardyce for his role in helping support this project.
J O Y F U L R E B E L L I O N
FEBRUARY 24 - MARCH 31
In an effort to expand our mission and reach beyond the Museum, we are honoured to collaborate with The Loren Hotel and offer an off-site location for exhibitions. Arist Nhuri Bashir’s Joyful Rebellion was our first partnership exhibition.
OCTOBER 1 - NOVEMBER 11
Flora in Flux: Shaping Identity, an exhibition by Claire Peverelli and Stratton Hatfield featured a collection of sculptures that examine the intersections of Bermuda’s natural and cultural identity. In collaboration with the Loren Hotel, the exhibition opening was also the kick-off for The Bermuda Tourism Authority’s Art Month.
As an extension of our educational offerings, we offered a series of opportunities to learn from leading experts about Bermuda art history research, conservation projects and the Museum's rich collection.
CAILIN CSER
The Conservation of Art
January 18, 2024
DR. LARA WATTS
Seeing Colour: E. Ambrose Webster and Bermuda during the Early Modern Era
March 7, 2024
DR. SARA THOM,
Looking Out: Canadian Artists in Bermuda and Isabel McLaughin: Finding Form
Joined by Canadian Artist
BERNARD POULIN for an Artist Talk
June 26, 2024
YESHA TOWNSEND
Poetry and Visual Form
October 24, 2024
In January, we invited Cailin Cser, an accredited art conservator with Restorart in Toronto, to conduct an assessment of our Permanent Collection. Cailin spent a week with Dr. Sara Thom, reviewing over 1,600 works of art. Masterworks’ first priority is to preserve our Collection, and Cailin’s visit and continual oversight by the Masterworks’ team allow us to enact the highest standard of care and ensure that we can display and enjoy our collection for many years to come.
Request a tour with one of our Masterworks’ staff members to see and learn more about the art on display and in our Collection.
Private, school, and corporate tours available all year round.
In February of this year we announced a partnership with Government to restore the iconic historical building, the old Parks Department Headquarter, in the Botanical Gardens with plans to develop Bermuda’s first Art & Design Centre. This transformational project will create a dedicated space for arts education and practice for all of Bermuda’s residents.
The renovated building will allow the Museum to expand its current educational offerings to include a much broader variety of classes across all ages and levels of art experience; to nurture and guide aspiring professional artists; and to provide working artists the necessary space, technology and community in which to develop their practices. Classes specifically designed for Bermuda’s youth in the applied and media arts as well as the traditional fine arts will promote the development of lifelong passions and the exploration of art-related career opportunities. The Centre will also house much-needed studio space for working artists and provide a central gathering place for artists in the community.
We look forward to sharing more updates on the project in 2025 - and want to especially thank those who have already offered support towards this effort.
“For Bermuda’s artists to have the opportunity of a dedicated space to make art and grow their practice and professionalism will truly be a gift.”
- Lousia Bermingham, Local Artist
“I beleive that a thriving art scene is important to the overall health of a community. It is my hope and belief that the new building and the proposed programming will invariably strengthen the artistic community in a real and impactful way. ”
- Nhuri Bashir, Local Artist
THE ART OF MUSIC
CLASSROOM MAKEOVER
A special thank you to our volunteers for all the work you do on a day-to-day basis at the Museum, at our events, and exhibition openings.
We’d like to thank in particular Ethel Patterson, Chrissy Frith, Heather Gray, Jessica Mapstone, Olivia Webb, Hartley Bingham, Georgina Sousa, Tara Phelan, Joanne Grier, Dorina Dobre, Ian Hind, Jennifer Hind, Rochelle Lee, Janine Lines, June Edness, and Christine Buter-Trimingham.
If you ’ re interested to know more about volunteer opportunities, please email Terri McDowell at terri@masterworksbermuda.org.
HOW MUCH WE SAVE THROUGH THE WORK OF OUR VOLUNTEERS
$100,000+
“Volunteering at Masterworks has been an incredibly rewarding experience. It has provided me with a wonderful opportunity to deepen my understanding and appreciation of art. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting amazing, like-minded individuals who share a passion for art and culture. As an artist myself, this time has been especially meaningful, inspiring my own work and enriching my connection to the arts in Bermuda.”
- Jessica Mapstone, Masterworks Volunteer & Local Artist
$282,000 RA
We are so grateful for the support of our Gala Committee, donors, attendees and volunteers, without whom we never could have reached such great heights - an unprecedented $282,000 raised!
The 2024 Gala Committee was made up of Angie Bell, Angie Cooney, Francesca Turner, Jane Reeves, Kim Hughes, Becky Mortimer, Suzanna Schaper, and Sallyann Smith Stratton. And a special thank you to our auctioneers, Raj Tolaram and Tom Butterfield for making the Live Auction so engaging.
We could not have done it without their incredible efforts!
The best way to lend support is by becoming a member.
Join our community today and enjoy the benefits of membership:
calendar of events, email updates and invitations to exhibition openings and events
unlimited free entry to the Museum
guests receive free admission starting with Supporter-level one private event per year starting with Benefactor-level free entrance to over 1,300 NARM member institutions across six countries
advance enrollment and discounts for camps and workshops for Family level and above discounts on adult classes and workshops
Visit our website for more information on becoming a member: masterworksbermuda.org/support/become-a-member/
TOTAL 2024 DONATIONS
$1,086,000 (excluding Art and Design Centre)
When you support Masterworks, you ’ re investing in more than art—you’re enriching lives, fostering inspiration, and strengthening our community. Each dollar donated creates a ripple effect of learning, engagement, and creativity that reaches neighbours of all ages and backgrounds. We are grateful for the many donors who make all of our work possible!
Donate through our website: masterworksbermuda.org/support/donate/
Mail a Cheque: P.O. BOX HM 1929, HAMILTON HM HX, BERMUDA
US & Canadian Donors: Donations are tax deductible to the extent provided by law.
US: americanfriendsmasterworksbermuda.org/ donate/ Canada: email marce.merry@gmail.com
Double Your Impact Today! Many employers sponsor matching gift programmes and will match any charitable contributions made by their employees, doubling the power of your support.
As we reflect on the past year, we are filled with gratitude for the incredible support we have received from our community. Your generosity and passion for the arts have made this year truly remarkable.
The 2025 calendar is inspired by groundbreaking exhibitions, expanded educational offerings, and inclusive community engagement.
We are particularly excited to share more about an upcoming immersive, participatory art experience that will feature sensory and interactive art stations paired with focused workshops in action painting, sculpting, and installation art.
Opening in spring 2025, an exhibition on Bermuda Fashion will consider Bermuda's unique fashion history across 300 years, from the 18th century to today.
And the remainder of the year will see exhibitions by both globally acclaimed and emerging artists and the continuation of our Curated Conversations series with international guest lecturers.
Stay up to date with our monthly newsletters, our social media (@masterworksmuseum), and our website!
RISA HUNTER Executive Director
DR SARA THOM Curatorial Researcher
BLAIR MASTERS Marketing & Communications
KIMBERLEY FISHER Education Officer
TERRI MCDOWELL Memberships & Donor Relations Manager
RODERICK GRAY Director of Finance
MAX GRAINGE Gallery Exhbitions Coordinator
Jasmine is currently undergoing an intensive twelve-month curatorial training programme, entitled New Curators, based in London at the South London Gallery, which started in September of this year. The programme is aimed to equip aspiring curators of contemporary art with the knowledge, practical skills, networks and confidence needed to thrive in the art world. It is open to all international applicants and saw over 500 applications for this year, only 12 of which were selected.
Jasmine is an artist, curator, and arts advocate, who has led the curation and direction of Masterworks exhibitions over the course of 2020 - present.
“I’m truly honoured that they selected me, ” Jasmine says, “and just grateful to have the opportunity to learn and grow, and hopefully bring back with me resources to share with the team, our local artists, and the community.”
Tom Butterfield, Founder
David L Brown
John Charman
Louise Foden-Pattinson
Judith Howe Tucker
John Robbins
Gabriela Brunner
Kevin Dallas
Matthew Katzsch
Roderick Gray
Amanda Swan
Wayne Caines
Mandy Cawthorn Argenio
Flora Goodall
Anne Williams
Ashley Dunn
Betty Krulik
Charlotte Sullivan
Claudia Wardman
Kitty Haines
Mary Ellen Snow
Pam Goldie-Morrison
Stephanie Sebesta
Susan Menconi
Cailin Cser
Christophe Jivraj
George Butterfield
Laszlo Cser
Marce Merry
Sara Angel
Zoe Lepiano
Photography by Blair Raughley Masters and Ishrat (Ish) Yakub.
Featured artworks by Phoebe Hughes, Abi Box, Zoë Hedstrom, and Shanna Hollis.