learned.

The show, which graced Bermuda's National Gallery for more than four months, will open in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in June.

Bermuda National Gallery Director Laura Gorham told Hamilton Lions at their weekly luncheon this week: "It's a tribute to our gallery, to Bermuda and to the Portuguese community that it's going to New Bedford.

"They will also be using our catalogue and our educational resources at a summer programme at the Brown University Center for Portuguese and Brazilian Studies which are Ivy League. We are very proud.'' Announcing what he described as a "major coup'', New Bedford Mayor Frederick Kalisz said: "This is a great day for New Bedford.'' He became choked with emotion at the March 29 announcement of plans to host the 90-piece exhibition.

It followed an intense lobbying campaign by Acorean-Americans who persuaded the Acorean Government to let the art go to New Bedford.

Also, Ms Gorham touched on the subject of draft proposals for non-Bermudian artists which were recently revealed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"We need to have an atmosphere that encourages creativity, that doesn't interfere with the creative process.'' she said.

"There are all kinds of details with the draft that is out there but arts groups were not consulted and the biggest problem, I gather, is it says something about prints by non-Bermudians would not be able to be sold.

"Unless I know more about that I will not speak from ignorance but I think it needs to be looked at a little more carefully.'' ARTISTS ART