Bermudians may have an opportunity to see the importance in their own heritage.

Senior curator of the Bermuda National Gallery Marlee Robinson delivered this message to Hamilton Rotarians yesterday as she outlined the plans for the forthcoming Portuguese exhibition which will fill the National Gallery this October and run through January.

The exhibit, "A Window to the Azores'', will feature more than 100 works of art from the Azores.

Speaking to the Rotarians at their weekly luncheon, Ms Robinson said she was hoping that the exhibit will inspire the community.

She said she believed that the exhibition will give the people who live here the opportunity to view the unique art which the Acorean culture has to offer.

The Portuguese community on the Island is seen as somewhat invisible on the Island, she said. The exhibits will address the fact that they have unique art and have made a contribution to Bermuda.

"This is the first international exhibit of contemporary art from the Azores,'' Ms Robinson noted.

The project has received backing from both the Bermuda and the Acorean governments.

The intent is to reach out to the community and the gallery is focusing on three ways of doing this.

Ms Robinson said they planned to do this through the schools by having school children visit the show.

The schools will also focus on the Portuguese language and customs which is aimed at creating an increased awareness of the Portuguese.

With all these plans Ms Robinson admitted that the gallery was a little short of funds which will be needed to put the show on.

Anyone who can help contribute to the exhibit should contact The National Gallery on 295-9428.