Bermuda Arts Month enhances its rich culture and history

October takes on latest meaning in Bermuda because the island nation celebrates its second annual Arts Month.

Black enterprise received an exclusive introduction to the growing event, featuring art exhibitions, walking tours, Bacardi tastings, sipping and painting sessions in a gleaming centuries-old cave, and more. Launched in 2023, Bermuda Arts Month: A Celebration of Culture, Creativity and Connection includes a diverse range of events that capture the essence of Bermuda’s vibrant artistic spirit.

The Bermuda Tourism Authority has created a special program of fascinating art tours, thought-provoking panel discussions, high-caliber exhibitions and interactive art sessions in stunning locations across Bermuda for the only real purpose of demonstrating how the island’s scenic locales function a canvas for creativity to unfold.

I had the pleasure of spending an enjoyable three nights at Bermuda’s Hamilton Princess and Beach Club. For over a century, the enduring “Pink Palace” has welcomed elite travelers from world wide, earning a status for elegance, exceptional hospitality and exceptional quality. More than simply a hotel, Hamilton Princess can be a beautiful walking museum with a rare art collection displayed in the general public areas, with works by famous artists akin to Henri Matisse, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Pablo Picasso, Jeff Koons and more. Offering a guided art tour where you’ll be able to see iconic names in contemporary art on every corner, Hamilton Princess is the proper place to remain during Bermuda Arts Month.

My visit to Bermuda Masterpieces Museum introduced me to her latest exhibition by a rare Bermudian artist Gherdai Hasselltitled . This contemporary exhibition tells the story of Bermuda through art, featuring Hassell’s charming painted portraits mixed with a wide range of materials. The exhibition also includes her collaborations with other Bermudian artists and chosen works from the Masterworks Permanent Collection. Exploring themes of gender, identity and Bermuda’s heritage, the exhibition reflects the island’s history under Spanish and British rule, in addition to the varied cultural backgrounds of the descendants of slaves and early settlers.

Exhibits from the museum’s everlasting collection include works by artists native to Bermuda or inspired by their time spent on the island. The most significant of them are Nude in a Garden (circa Nineteen Fifties) by the Bermudian artist Charles Lloyd Tucker (1913–1971) and an intimate drawing by the renowned artist Georgia O’Keeffe (1887–1986), who visited Bermuda within the spring of 1933 and 1934 while recovering from depression. A standout work within the exhibition is Gherdai Hassell’s “Bermuda Onion,” symbolizing the island’s history as a big exporter of onions and a metaphor for peeling back layers to disclose deeper meaning. Separate exhibitionfeatures documentary-style photography that beautifully captures the varied essence of life in Bermuda.

Our next stop was the National Gallery of Bermuda where we visited Bermuda Biennial. Since its inception in 1994, this open invitation to Bermudian artists and islanders has been a cornerstone of Bermuda’s contemporary art scene. This 12 months’s theme, Places, Presence & Poetics: An Unpacking, features 32 artworks by 25 artists across a wide range of scales and media. The exhibition provides insight into topics that fascinate contemporary artists. Featured artists included Gherdai Hassell Organic Waters, further highlighting her significant role in Bermuda’s contemporary art landscape.

I had the pleasure of taking two walking tours led by Bermudian historian Kristin White, who took an in-depth take a look at Bermuda’s art scene and how black artists uplift and support one another in a rustic with a history of segregation. During the tour, we learned concerning the stories of Gombey dancers Sally Bassett and Mary Prince, who encourage the influential works of local black artists. Bermuda also honors Mary Prince with a national holiday, making it the one country on the planet to have a good time and recognize a black woman with such an honor on Mary Prince Day.

We also learned concerning the challenges many contemporary artists face when commissioning public works. One like that artistShanna Hollis, fastidiously considered her approach when asked to create a mural within the historic St. Peter’s Square. George. Inspired by the work of her brother, fellow painter Nashon Hollis, Shanna took the chance to have interaction the community in her work. The resulting mural pays tribute to Bermuda’s rich history, spanning many eras.

Art is best enjoyed on a full stomach with an excellent drink, and Bermuda attracts tourists. Arts Month coincides with the Taste of Bermuda festival, which runs from September 30 to October 2 and goals to have a good time the island’s diverse restaurants and showcase local culinary talent. We were delighted to participate in The Art of the Pour Bartending Competition at Bacardi’s headquarters in Hamilton, where 15 of Bermuda’s best bars and restaurants competed for one of the best cocktail in Bermuda.

The Wild Herbs N Plants foraging tour with Doreen Williams provided an immersive and refreshing experience, introducing us to Bermuda’s edible wild plants and medicinal properties. We sampled fresh fennel, prickly pear and grapes, and then Mrs. Doreen treated us to a totally vegan lunch by the beach. Her homemade spreads included pumpkin spice donuts, shortbread cookies, fresh chips and salsa, and handmade natural juice. We ended the trip with a well-deserved leisure on the attractive Cooper’s Island beach.

Our last night was truly unforgettable as we headed to Grotto Bay for a charming Sip and Paint session in a surprising illuminated cave. While having fun with some laid-back R&B and reggae, we sipped white wine, ate sandwiches, and received expert guidance from Bermuda’s Alshanté Foggo. Thanks to her help, I transformed my kindergarten painting right into a murals that I proudly held on the wall.

By sharing my personalized itinerary, I hope to remind you that Bermuda has so way more to supply than simply pink sand beaches and Swizzles – although you’ll be able to enjoy each while immersing yourself within the island’s vibrant art scene. Bermuda Arts Month invites locals and international visitors to immerse themselves within the island’s charming artistic culture and heritage. This monthly event fosters collaboration between local artists, galleries and cultural institutions who share a passion for art, culture and creativity. Participants can deepen their appreciation of Bermuda’s culture through educational workshops, a wide range of exhibitions, and connections with other art lovers. Plan your visit next October because the island’s art month becomes an annual tradition on its cultural calendar.