It is well established that the arts are vitally important in cognitive development and positive socialisation. Consequently, the arts are important in the over-all curricula of progressive schools.

Based upon evident talent in the current art exhibition from Bermuda's schools at the Bermuda Society of Arts, it appears that something good is going on in our schools as well.

Having been involved in art education for 50 years and having regularly viewed the schools exhibitions over those years, it is my observation that this present exhibition is the best I have seen.

Really good art instruction is obviously going on, meaning there are highly qualified and enthusiastic art teachers in the Bermuda community. It used to happen that certain schools, mostly private schools stood out in the annual school art exhibition, but I am happy to report that this is no longer the case.

The viewing public, based on works exhibited, is being asked to choose which school art programme is their favourite. But having thought about it, I concluded that I could not do that, as no particular school stood out as being better. Many are impressive.

As I walked through the show, I noticed that the students are exploring various styles, from realism to different types of abstraction, such as Pop Art and Expressionism. At least one had a Pointillist drawing and some had investigated Surrealism. Additionally, there were a number of portraits and pictures based upon sports, comics and movies. It was also obvious that teachers are introducing students to art history, as well as assigning art projects, for there were a number of works in the show that were based upon the art of certain well known artists from the past. One example is the CedarBridge project inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe.

Students are exploring various techniques. These may require specialised tools; thus it seems the schools are better equipped now.

A number of schools, for example, offer training in ceramics and so it seems that some schools have basic ceramic equipment, such as kilns and wheels. I was told that some schools have printmaking equipment, such as a press in the art room.

Now that we live in the age of digital photography, quite a number of schools offer instruction in that art. Additionally, I noticed projects in mosaic, weaving, sewing and fashion. There was sculpture and assemblage, collage and scratchboard. It is all very impressive and a far cry from art instruction when I was at school here 60 years ago. Although no particular school stands out as better than any other, certain projects do. I have already mentioned the CedarBridge Georgia O'Keeffe project. It is hanging from the ceiling as you enter the gallery. Notice too, five portraits by CedarBridge students.

I was also impressed by a group of seven Op Art designs in black and white by students from Clearwater Middle School, while a student from Whitney Institute Middle School named Kyanne, made a wonderfully graphic fish in pink and green.

I was drawn to a gradient design in brown from Victor Scott School, entitled 'Ace Boys'.

Other projects of note are a collection of paper sculptures from Prospect Primary School's P6. One work was inspired by the Dutch modernist, Piet Mondrian.

Somerfield Academy had a large number of works in the Edinburgh Gallery, including two which seemed to be a group effort. This was a collage made-up of drawings and bit and pieces from nature, such as sand and shells. Yet again, as with last year's show, Warwick Academy had a shoe project that is again impressive.

Shane Parker's botanical detail in coloured pencil also caught my eye, as did Jordan Hassell's large colourful abstract that, in addition to paint, also made with sand.

There are also three notable wall-hangings by Jasmine Smith, Jordan Hassell and Bianca Clay. From Saltus, I noted a colourful abstract sailboat called 'Spirit of Bermuda' by Nanshon Hollis.

Another abstract design worth seeing is Seamus McKittrick's 'Banana Leaves'.

Schuyler Ruberry's ink drawing of a seahorse is outstanding.

Since the schools are making such an effort to meet the art needs of students, it is important that there be an appropriate venue for exhibiting their work and the Bermuda Society of Arts is the only suitable place to do so. No other venue is so central or large enough to house an exhibition of this magnitude. Since schools from across Bermuda are represented, it is inevitably large; it is therefore important that exhibiting space be able to accommodate it, be centrally accessible and thus be in Hamilton. This begs the question: if the Corporation of Hamilton insists on evicting the BSoA, where will the annual school art exhibition be held?

Keep in mind that this is one of two annual school exhibitions at the BSoA. The other is the college art exhibition. Should the Corporation of Hamilton actually carry out the eviction of the BSoA, the Island-wide impact on the schools' art programme will be far more consequential than the members of the Corporation probably imagine.

I urge readers to support our students; go and see what they are doing. If necessary, inconvenience yourselves to do it. Take others with you who may not otherwise know about it. This exhibition is worth supporting with your attendance, and indeed, it may well be the last schools' exhibition in City Hall.

Of course, I hope I am wrong, but at this point in time I also have no concrete reason to be optimistic that the Corporation of Hamilton will change their thinking. I just hope it does. Eviction would have incalculable consequences.

The exhibition continues through February 20.