A chance for Bermuda?s best artists to gain international recognition and help humanity at the same time is being offered by the British Red Cross, which will auction a host of valuable collectors? pieces in a glittering, gala fund-raiser entitled Art for Humanity, to be held in London in November.

On the Art for Humanity organising committee, and in Bermuda at present, is well-known portrait and figurative painter Henry Ward, who would like to hear from artists and sculptors willing to donate an outstanding example of their work for the auction.

While Mr. Ward cautions that, of all the works submitted, only the very best pieces will make it through the final selection process in London, he is also confident that there exist in Bermuda works of the calibre which the committee is seeking.

Speaking of this golden opportunity for resident artists to gain international recognition, Mr. Ward says: ?Bermuda has a tendency to isolate itself from the international arts communities. Open juried exhibitions are quite nationally based, and Bermuda is culturally isolated enough without further isolating itself. What we will be doing is formally putting some of Bermuda?s artists on the map internationally, as well as in front of a big media machine, collectors, dealers and cognoscenti. In turn, this helps to put Bermuda?s art on the international map, and I should also add that it helps to put the Island itself on the international map as a beneficiary of the Red Cross.?

Indeed, leading artists from all over the world are being canvassed to donate a work, and already the British Red Cross has received pieces from or by many of them, including Picasso, Tracy Emin, Sir Peter Blake, Alan Halliday, Richard Constable, and Ginger Gilmour, among others.

Locally, Mr. Ward is happy to report that, by word of mouth, donations have already been forthcoming by some of Bermuda?s most important artists, including Sheilagh Head.

But it is not only individual artists? work which is being sought. Corporate donors are also being invited to contribute to this worthy venture ? possibly with works from their present collections.

?Some companies may wish to increase positive identification of themselves by association with the Red Cross by reserving a table or an advertisement, for up to ?2,500 in the high-quality auction catalogue, in which case corporate donor packages are ?5,000,? Mr. Ward says. Associate sponsorship packages are available from ?15,000.

In terms of art, the November auction will be a mixed media event, so all forms of art are welcomed: valuable paintings, sculptures, drawings, lithographs, photographs, ceramics and more.

Art for Humanity is an innovative art programme to raise funds for the work of the British Red Cross both at home and abroad through a series of art-related events being staged throughout 2005.

?It is very prestigious,? says the internationally-recognised Mr. Ward, whose own invitation to join the Art for Humanity committee is an honour in itself.

?Basically, I have been asked to do two things: one, supply the artwork for this auction, which will be held in front of the cognoscenti of the world; and two, to use my extensive network of artists and clients who may be interested in donating a work of art for charity,? he says.

Prior to the gala dinner and auction at the Plaisterers? Hall in the City of London on November 28, an exhibition of 100 pieces of the donated art will take place at the Federal Republic of Germany?s London embassy from November 16-18.

The Plaisterers? Hall is one of the finest Livery Halls in London. Its neo-classical d ?cor, designed by Robert Adam in the 18th Century, reflects the grandeur of a bygone era.

The Art for Humanity auction is billed as including ?a huge range of work to suit all tastes and budgets?. Tickets for this exclusive event are ?75. For further information either e-mail jsummerfieldredcross.org.uk or telephone him at 020-7877 7116.

Mr. Summerfield is the British Red Cross? major events manager,while City of London Alderman Sir Gavyn Arthur is chairman of the Art for Humanity Committee.

Those sitting on the Committee are described as ?very successful and well-connected men and women with strong networks within the professional, business and celebrity worlds, both in the UK and internationally. They give both time and support to raise funds and awareness of the work of the British Red Cross through high profile events such as the Art for Humanity auction?.

Bermuda artists seriously wishing to donate, or who require further information should contact Mr. Ward by e-mail at henry_liam_wardyahoo.co.uk. To learn more about this artist and his work, visit his website at: www.henryliamward.com