An art exhibition based on the theme of pairings will be opened by two dignitaries next month.

John Rankin, the Governor, and Constance Dierman, the US Consul General, will share the limelight as they unveil The Island and Related Tales show.

The exhibition at Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art will feature separate, but connected, artworks.

Tom Butterfield, the museum’s founder and creative director, said the exhibition was “about partnering and pairing artists from their time here”.

He explained: “The pairings part is often about an artist doing a similar sketch then going back to his or her home and doing a larger artwork, whether it’s in their studio in Paris or in Toronto.

“The partnering is where artists find themselves in the same place unbeknown to each other but because of their style there’s a slightly different take on their work.”

Mr Butterfield said an example was Royal Palms, a 1950 watercolour by world-renowned painter Andrew Wyeth that depicted a view of Shinbone Alley in St George’s.

Artist Ogden Pleissner took a different view of the same place about the same time and put his vision on canvas in a work named after the street.

Mr Butterfield added: “They had no idea then that they have both visited there, it was coincidence, that’s the partnering of the exhibition.”

He welcomed the involvement of Mr Rankin and Ms Dierman at the launch of the show on May 1 before it opens to the public the following day.

Mr Butterfield said: “It’s about being a great ambassador, it’s about getting engaged while they’re on the island — a whole slew of things which have a very positive message, which I’m about.

“I’m doing it to make us all aware of how grateful we should be that people from the outside are here to share their time, their talent, their passion, their care for the island while they are here.”

Ms Dierman, who took up her post last summer, said she was “delighted” to help open the show.

She said: “Masterworks is one of my very favourite places in Bermuda.

“With new additions to its collection, creative and fun educational programmes for children, and inclusive community events, Masterworks always surprises and delights residents and visitors alike.

“Through Masterworks, I’ve learnt about the significant influence Bermuda has had on acclaimed American artists and how Bermuda continues to inspire emerging talent from within and from all corners of the world.

“It is a privilege to partner with Governor John Rankin to support and champion Masterworks in its mission to share Bermuda’s rich culture and heritage by making art come alive.”