An exhibit hoping to celebrate all aspects of the Island's history opens tonight at the Bermuda Society of Arts (BSoA).

Designed to commemorate Bermuda's 400th anniversary, Gallery 400 is an open exhibit of BSoA members' works.

"Quite a few people are doing old Bermuda and are going back in time," said BSoA assistant director Lesley Rego.

"One artist is doing the original shipwreck of when Sir George Somers came and I have another doing a lot of historic pieces. We didn't necessarily thinking of having that in the show initially I was thinking of having things that were unique to Bermuda, like some of the architecture of the roofs, buildings with limestone, (the) landscape which is unique to our Island.

"We tried to make it as broad as we could. We were (initially) thinking of the inhabitants of Bermuda but we have asked people to do birds, fish, reptiles or whatever else is on Bermuda as well as people."

Four receptions are planned over weekends this month all will be held against the backdrop of the Gallery 400 exhibit.

Stranded sailors from a Portuguese ship carved the initials 'R' and 'P', '1543' into Spanish Rock at Spittal Pond. On 'Island Night' guests will be asked to come up with their own inscription.

"We are trying to get people to come up with something witty, funny, something silly that they would have put on the rock," Ms Rego explained.

The following reception will highlight Bermuda traditions. An Easter bonnet contest and a kitemaking competition will be held April 8, for children and adults. Kites made will be featured the following day, in a one-day exhibit.

The next reception, 'Dark and Stormy Night', will include Bermuda rum, pirates and wenches.

"We are hoping that people get into the spirit of it," said Ms Rego. "We are planning a lot of food and fun with a band and we will also have a competition for the best dressed."

The final reception is an attempt to show just how diverse the Bermuda population is.

Called 'Faces of Bermuda', guests will be "invited to dress in their national costumes," she said.

"There will be a fashion parade. It won't be a normal one you have to come and see it. There is also a prize for best costume.

"There will also be international cuisine. A lot of the restaurants are donating trays of food.

Admission is free to the event, which is sponsored by the Bermuda 2009 committee.

"We are trying to get (more) restaurants and liquor companies to help us out because everything is free," Ms Rego explained. "We're hoping that some (people who attend) will become members, but generally that most come and have a good time."

Gallery 400, which will be on exhibit in the Onions Gallery, ends April 29.

'Milton Hill and Friends' will exhibit in the Edinburgh Gallery at the same time. In addition to art by Mr. Hill, it will also include pieces with an African theme by Miles Manders, Sonia Bremar, Jean Battersby, Larry Smith, students from the African School of Learning and a display by True Reflections.

In addition, one wall of the gallery will feature artwork by the children of Bermuda.

Receptions will be held between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the BSoA. For exact event dates or more information, telephone 292-3824 or send an e-mail to bsoa@ibl.bm.