In keeping with the Corporation's City of Hamilton Plan, which seeks to encourage more public art, and indeed makes it a requirement for all new buildings in excess of 50,000 square feet, Bermudian artist is to have her installation, 'Prayers in the Wind', in the portico of City Hall next Spring. The ambitious and large-scale project has the full support of the and the

While details are being kept under wraps in order to preserve its impact upon unveiling, the artist says that the work "is intended to provide the community with a means of expressing individual creativity. We hope to involve as many people as we can in the process of making the installation. The final work will represent a significant piece of public art".

The artist and her committee are working closely with the Corporation on the project, which has offered its expertise, physical support and equipment.

"The Corporation is delighted to be involved with the Bermuda National Gallery in this very unusual and exciting public art project," secretary Roger Sherratt is quoted as saying. "It will serve to highlight the fact that City Hall really is Bermuda's art and cultural centre, with its two art galleries and theatre. It is appropriate that the front entrance of City Hall will be an integral feature of this new project."

Mr. Sherratt is also quoted as saying that the Corporation is currently working on a public art project for one of its buildings in Hamilton, which it hopes to finalise in the new year, and points out that most of the public art on display in the City has been donated or is on loan.

"The Corporation is always receptive to ideas for other art displays, or donations of public art pieces to the City. 'Prayers in the Wind' will serve to demonstrate that public art can be wide-ranging, and does not have to be traditional. We look forward to being part of this project," the Secretary said. John Gardner, chairman of the BNG's exhibition committee, was instrumental in moving the project forward, and describes the Ezekiel concept as "fabulous", while the artist contends that her installation will compliment City Hall's architecture.

The is hosting a buffet and jazz night on Friday, with music by Randy Lambert and Tempo. The event is from 5.30 p.m. to 8.30 p.m. and tickets (members $45, others $35

) are available at the Gallery. For further information ( 292-2498, fax 295-2055, or e-mail directorbng.bm.

s next production, 'Medea' by Euripides (translation by alastair elliott), is at the Bermuda National Gallery from November 18 to 21, beginning at 8 p.m. The play tells the story of devoted wife and mother who kills her children, which incites outrage and extreme shock. Director Andra (pronounced Andr?) Simons' interpretation of the play modernises it by setting it in a fluid time period and switching genders on some of the significant characters. The play also involves music composed especially for the production by Bermudian musician, Milton Raposo, who currently resides in England. Among the cast are Connie Dey, John Zuill and Denise Dunstan. Sarah Barker has the lead role of Medea. Tickets (patrons $50, others $20) are available from the Bermuda National Gallery and Rock Island Coffee. For further information ( 296-6467 or 296-5241 or e-mail andramyhome.bm.

A new exhibition opens at the this Friday featuring work by Swedish artist Kent Iwemyr. Included will be a selection of the artist's humorous paintings, many of them featuring sporting events.

A sportsman for most of his life, Mr. Iwemyr began his career as an artist in 1992 at the age of 48. The former cross-country skier and art teacher was the only abstract expressionist in his hometown of Hallstahammar. In 1991, he moved away from abstracts to find his own style in the imagery of his childhood, which ironically led to national and international recognition as a serious artist.

ACE Gallery exhibitions director Julie Sylvester Cabot sums up Mr. Iwemyr as "a storyteller in paint", and describes his paintings as "a cross between history and fairytales (which) tell the stories from his neighbourhood with enthusiasm, warmth and empathy".

The ACE Gallery, located in ACE Global Headquarters at 17 Woodbourne Avenue, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday. Admission is free. The exhibition will continue until the end of December. For further information, or to make an appointment for a group booking, ( 295-5000.