Hair salons are still not considered usual venues for art.

Eden Salon's walls however have come alive with the work of Von-Rica Dickenson. This art work looks like it was created for the deep peachy-tangerine walls but it wasn't. Most of the art is two to four years old and conveniently fits into the vision salon manager Rawle Fraser had for the salon's new look. While he was painting the walls he saw Ms Dickenson on the street and invited her in to see them. He asked her if she would fill them with art and a working relationship between salon and artist began. "It's a great way to display her work and accent the salon," says Fraser.

"I like that they are giving me an opportunity to show in another environment outside of a gallery," says Ms Dickenson. She doesn't like to be confined by anything or anyone.

Last Friday night with customers still having their hair washed, set and dried, art patrons walked around the salon as the art show's finishing touches progressed. The energy was anything but confining.

Amidst the quiet bustle of a working salon the artwork was arresting. Ms Dickenson's love of sculpture is obvious. Most of her paintings have a three-dimensional feel, whether from built up layers of paint, mixed media additions, or simply painting style. The breasts of the nude in `Body Heat', for example, look like they are protruding evocatively from the flat painted surface. "Yeah, I love that," says Ms Dickenson. A still life of bottles is enhanced by the broken off tops of actual bottles protruding from the canvas. Rather than just being pieces of old broken glass they form an intrinsic part of a painting that "works".

Even the framing is part of the sculpture-like quality of her work. They also illustrate her drive to go for "whatever works for my piece." Frames are by Joseph Weeks, Frameworks and Robert Bassett, and each suit each piece.

Wire, stones, sand, shells and other objects are all used to create different effects. "I don't like to explain my media," says Ms Dickenson. "I like to leave enough to the imagination. I allow it to speak to others and let them interpret it." Her `African Mask I' is not just a mask. It comes alive with a variety of feathers, hemp, beads and other additions. `African Mask II', with it's turquoise background accentuated by the peachy-tangerine walls, immediately draws the eyes of people as they enter the salon to it displayed on the back wall.

Most of the pieces are abstract but with an electricity that makes them feel like there is more there than meets the eye. In `Textured Vision' a copper colour draws the eye into a complex maze.

`Reaching for the Inner Self' is a self-portrait with a million interpretations. From the artist's personal collection, it suggests the vibrant energy that Ms Dickenson brings to her life and her work. A purplish spiral suggests rapid inner and outward growth.

After creating a huge piece of art such as this Ms Dickenson has had a unique way of unwinding lately. For this show she created original Christmas ornaments. "I hope this isn't too far out for Bermuda," she said several times. "Other people drink coffee to unwind but I had a lot of fun creating these. They are all originals." The ball ornaments are painted and embellished with sequins, glitter, feathers and stones and definitely look fun. Sales of the ornaments which range from $10 to $15 were brisk showing that Bermudians do embrace the "far out". They are available from Ms Dickenson personally, she can be reached at 298-7607.

Retired art teacher, Shirley Pearman, who taught Ms Dickenson at Warwick Secondary School, suggests why Ms Dickenson's work is warmly received. She credits the consistent teaching of art in the schools since the 1960s for creating a new generation of art-appreciating buyers. She sees younger, exciting artists forging new paths, and their former school mates becoming their customers.

Mrs. Pearman now considers Ms Dickenson her peer as they taught together at Warwick Secondary Middle School. Ms Dickenson, however, still regards Mrs. Pearman as her mentor. Ms Dickenson now teaches dance at Sandy's Secondary Middle School. On Saturdays she teaches at United Dance Productions. Her dancing career was curtailed by an injury which caused her to focus more energy on a visual art career. She studied art at Clark Atlanta University.

Ms Dickenson's art will continue to be shown at Eden Salon, 39 Reid Street, indefinitely. As pieces are sold they will be replaced. Salon manager Rawle Fraser says, "People are more than welcome to come and visit and browse and enjoy the atmosphere." Hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays and 9 to 5 on Sundays.