Kids who are passionate about art and history didn't have to choose between them this summer thanks to a collaborative camp programme.

The Masterworks Foundation and the Bermuda National Trust teamed up so that children could receive a taste of both.

One combined group of Masterworks and Bermuda National Trust students gained first-hand knowledge. They had an insightful look at a boat in the process of being restored on the back lot of Masterworks shipwright Stephen Walsh of Stavros Boat Shop shared practical information about shipbuilding and showed the young campers tools of his trade.

Bermuda National Trust education officer Tania Stafford came up with the idea of joining forces when arranging the summer camp, which carried the theme, 'The Way We Built'.

"I realised that the summer exhibit at Masterworks would enhance the exploration of shipbuilding in Bermuda by the Trust's eight to 11-year-old treasure seekers," Ms Stafford said

The education staff at both Masterworks and The Bermuda National Trust have developed a relationship over the years and both organisations are active members of Leaders in Field Education (LIFE) — a group of local educators from the Island's various charities and organisations with the aim of sharing education resources and contacts with the Bermuda school community.

The proximity of the two facilities permitted campers to walk to the Botanical Gardens, making an excellent morning's outing.

Masterworks hosted the Bermuda National Trust students for weekly guided tours of the museum featuring the current 'We Are Sailing' exhibition which runs through the year.

Students were able to view works of art highlighting Bermuda's maritime heritage, ranging from the earliest works in the collection from 1797 to artwork by contemporary artists such as Malcolm Morley and Bruce Stuart.

The tours also highlighted vintage photography by Harry St. George Butterfield and Karl Struss, special exhibits featuring the Queen of Bermuda and also Reg Grundy's longtail photography exhibit.

After a guided tour of the galleries by Masterworks' education staff and volunteers, the Bermuda National Trust students were given drawing materials with the challenge of interpreting their favourite piece of artwork.

"It was very inspiring to view the range of artwork created by our students during their gallery visits," said Ms Stafford.

"Students were able to sit directly in front of the original works and artifacts in the gallery and, armed with a little one-on-one guidance for drawing tips, each student created an original Bermuda inspired postcard."

Ms Stafford said although it sounds limited in scope, it actually presented students with a wide range of possibilities.

"Each student tuned in to different artwork and details and added their unique impressions," she said. "Whether capturing fine details of the model boats by Captain Musson, realistic or abstract art, vintage travel posters featuring fashions of the 1940 to 1950s or the contemporary art of Ed Gray featuring a St. George's beach scene, each student found something to be inspired by."

Campers were encouraged to investigate and appreciate a visit to a museum exhibiting artwork.

"The fact that it reflected their home and familiar surroundings made it a very relatable museum experience," said Ms Stafford.

Masterworks' education coordinator Carrie Zenti said the museum aims to be a place that will encourage the students' interest in art, history and culture and a place where they want to come back to, to discover more about themselves and the world in which they live as the exhibitions change.

"It is a joy to see young students beaming with pride from their creative accomplishments and discovering that a museum can be a fun and interesting place while learning something along the way," said Ms Zenti.

To complete the educational exchange the Masterworks Summer Art Adventure students hiked to Waterville, the Trust headquarters, to draw and paint during sessions in July and August.

The Trust's scenic and historic location and use of the Axis Education Centre for the visiting art students led by Masterworks instructor Tiffany Paynter, provided a memorable morning for the Masterworks campers.

Local artist Otto Trott joined the group to share his masterful knowledge for capturing water, reflection and boats in the harbour.

Ms Zenti said the collaboration with The Bermuda National Trust which has similar aims in education and cultural preservation doubled the shared knowledge of Bermuda history and culture.

"Co-hosting weekly tours with Tania Stafford of the National Trust added a valued insight and a rich historical perspective while touring the 'We Are Sailing' exhibit," said Ms Zenti.

She said Masterworks welcomed the opportunity to work in a similar partnership with other groups throughout the coming year.

Axis Capital Holdings Limited sponsored the Bermuda National Trust education programme and Platinum Re sponsored the Masterworks summer programme allowing the students to have unlimited access to art supplies and their own personal sketchbook to take home to continue their artistic pursuits.

For more information on Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art visit www.bermudamasterworks.com or contact Ms Zenti on 236-2950. Museum hours are Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information on the Bermuda National Trust visit www.bnt.bm or contact Ms Stafford or education director Nicola O'Leary, on 236-6483.