Today is the last day for artists to enter The Serjeant’s Cup Marine Art Prize, a biennial exhibit by Bermuda Arts Centre and St Peter’s Church, Their Majesties Chappell. Bermuda Arts Centre administrator Heidi Cowen tells us more.

Q: What is the Serjeant’s Cup?

A: The Serjeant’s Cup has a fascinating history. In 2012, Mr David Baldwin, Serjeant of the Vestry of Her Majesty’s Chapel Royal at St James’s Palace, personally delivered the Royal Charter granting St Peter’s Church the title of Their Majesties Chappell, a designation granted in the 1690s, during the reign of King William III and Queen Mary II, but forgotten until this century. Mr Baldwin also wished to make a contribution of his own and presented the Chappell with a beautifully engraved silver cup. From that gift, The Serjeant’s Cup Marine Art Prize was born. Held biennially, the competition invites artists to explore any subject connected with the sea or the nautical world.

Q: Why do you think the sea is such an inspiration to Bermuda’s artists?

A: Bermuda’s settlement began with a shipwreck in 1609, and the island has never looked back. From shipbuilding and seafaring to privateering, wrecking and fishing, the sea has shaped Bermuda’s history, culture and identity. While most Bermudians no longer depend upon the ocean for their survival, life beside it continues to influence us profoundly. We never tire of its beauty, nor lose our respect for its power. We photograph approaching hurricanes with a mixture of awe and curiosity, as though we have never witnessed a storm before. We live in the middle of one of the world’s most powerful bodies of water, and our love and fascination for the Atlantic never leaves us. The Serjeant’s Cup celebrates that extraordinary relationship.

Q: What sort of response have you had from artists so far?

A: This year’s competition has received an exceptional response from Bermuda’s artists, and the gallery expects its walls to be filled with work celebrating the island’s maritime history, coastal beauty and enduring relationship with the sea.

Q: What will the judges be looking for when they consider the entries?

A: Entries may range from historic Bermuda ships, to fishermen and working vessels, to crashing waves, approaching storms and contemporary or impressionistic interpretations of the ocean. The judges will be looking for authenticity, artistic excellence and a meaningful connection to the maritime environment. The Serjeant’s Cup will be awarded to the artist whose work most powerfully embodies the spirit, beauty and strength of the sea.

Q: How broadly can artists interpret the theme?

A: The theme is intentionally broad, allowing artists the freedom to interpret it in their own way. Subjects may include boats, ships and working vessels; harbours, docks and waterfront activity; the open ocean, changing weather and marine atmosphere; coastal architecture and maritime structures; island life shaped by the sea; the emotional presence and influence of the ocean. Both traditional and contemporary approaches are welcomed. As long as the work has a meaningful connection to the marine or nautical world, it may be entered into the competition.

Q: Who are the judges?

A: The two judges for the 2026 competition are Stephen Card and Jane Downing. Mr Card is an accomplished marine artist whose close relationship with the maritime world began when he joined the Bermuda Sea Cadet Corps at a young age. That early passion led him into the Royal Navy and inspired his lifelong interest in capturing ships, boats and maritime life on canvas. [Ms] Downing is the former curator and current registrar of the National Museum of Bermuda. She first fell in love with the site during the mid-1970s, before it officially became a museum, and went on to curate numerous exhibitions and publications. Her deep knowledge of Bermuda’s maritime past and her passion for preserving and interpreting its history bring an invaluable perspective to the judging panel.

Q: What will the winners receive?

A: St Peter’s Church, Their Majesties Chappell, will present three major cash prizes this year. First prize receives $500 and The Serjeant’s Cup, second prize receives $300 and The Bermuda Cedar Award and third prize receives $200 and The Spirit of Bermuda Award. The winning artist will hold The Serjeant’s Cup until the next competition. Additional awards and gifts will also be presented, giving further recognition and encouragement to participating artists.

Q: Can any artist enter?

A: The Bermuda Arts Centre was established to encourage artists at every stage of their creative journey. While many major art competitions are juried at the entry stage, The Serjeant’s Cup is open to all members of the Arts Centre. Artists do not need to be established professionals to participate. The only requirement is that each entrant must be a member of the Bermuda Arts Centre. Artists who are not currently members are warmly encouraged to join the gallery and enter the show.

• The exhibition will open with a reception at the Bermuda Arts Centre on Sunday, September 6, from 4pm to 6pm and run through November 1. The Serjeant’s Cup and accompanying prizes will be presented at 5pm. The show may also be viewed, and purchases made online, atwww.artbermuda.com