express concerns about proposed restrictions on foreign artists.

Three members of the Society met with the Minister and Immigration Department officials on Monday to press for a rethink on the plans.

Artists say they have not been consulted about the controversial proposals, which will ban foreign artists from selling prints of their works locally.

The draft proposals suggest only galleries be allowed to show works by foreign artists and that they must be original works.

Galleries would also be required to obtain work permits to show works by foreigners and overseas artists would require permission from the Minister to hold seminars and workshops.

Pressure is mounting on Ms Cox to amend the draft regulations which artists say could stifle the art scene on the Island.

In The Royal Gazette yesterday, Bermuda National Gallery trustee Charles Zuill called the proposals "completely misguided''.

Dr. Zuill said some Bermudian artists were so appalled by the proposals they were thinking of leaving the Island.

Society of Arts president Bruce Stuart, vice-president John Thompson and Board member Peter Hebberd met Ms Cox on Monday and will send her a written presentation.

Mr. Thompson said the meeting was "cordial'' and Ms Cox had promised to look at their concerns.

He said: "The Society's view is that work permits would be appropriate for non-Bermudians wanting to paint for profit, but the Society is against the idea that non-Bermudians not be allowed to sell their prints.

"There is a whole bunch of reasons why the Society is against that, not the least of which is that there are many prints sold in Bermuda that are produced by artists from abroad. We need some understanding of that issue.

"There is a suggestion that if we have non-Bermudian members of the Bermuda Society of Arts who wish to paint and from time to time will sell works, that they should not require a permit.

"We want to get a definitive response from the Minister as to where we stand.

"The Society's interest is in supporting art in Bermuda. The whole Board of the Society is in agreement of the need to have foreign art in Bermuda to bring up the quality and standard of Bermudian art.

"I haven't polled all members, but all the people I've spoken to concur with the view that we need to have non-Bermudian art available.

"I can understand the concerns of some Bermudian artists who I believe have suggested that selling prints (by foreign artists) on Harbour Nights and in hotels is not a good thing.

"I don't see any major problem with non-Bermudian prints being sold because in general terms it benefits Bermuda financially as well as from an art standpoint.'' Ms Cox could not be contacted for comment yesterday.