The Bermuda Society of Arts, Spring Members Show, City Hall, Hamilton.

*** Recently, in a review of a show held by another society, I wrote some nonsense about the fine arts in Bermuda being pretty much dead on their feet, such was the lack of anything new, different, fresh or even talented on display there.

Well it looks as though I'm going to be force-fed my words. Exhibitions by the Society of Arts can be a bit hit and miss but I'm glad to report that this show is of the highest standard.

Not only is the quality of work high, it is also varied, illustrating the rich talent and depth of artists on the Island.

The reason? Well, BSOA bigwigs might not like me for saying this, but I'm afraid it's financial.

The Society is pretty much strapped for cash at the moment and no doubt hopes to replenish the coffers by making a few sales at this show -- good luck to them.

As a consequence they've wheeled out the big guns -- there's plenty of stuff by the likes of Sheilagh Head, Otto Trott, Jonah and Jason Jones (not related), Bruce Stuart, Cig, Graham Foster and David Sean Hill -- artists who are capable of producing work of real beauty and integrity, where the viewer has no option but to admire the artist's skill and observation.

This exhibition then marks a bit of a change in the Society's philosophy.

Previously, its argument has been that everybody should get a look in. As a result, even in juried shows, just about everyone managed to have at least one effort hanging on the wall.

The best Bermuda artists in show I might not have picked up a paintbrush in 20 years, but, had I been blindfolded and had both hands amputated, I could have produced something that, regardless of how appalling, ended up on display. The result of course was that standards went down the toilet.

The society has always seen itself as a bit of a benevolent uncle -- a bit soft perhaps, a bit weak, but well-meaning nonetheless. At all costs it must be there to encourage. All very noble you might think but a money spinner it ain't. I think it's also incredibly patronising -- surely any wannabe artist will be far more inspired, encouraged and motivated by something of quality and beauty rather than by receiving a condescending pat on the back.

It's also undoubtedly resulted in the King's New Clothes syndrome, with everyone being proclaimed as the next best thing since sliced bread, even when they obviously have no talent. I see nothing wrong in anyone wanting to paint, even if what they produce is criminal, but to proffer up vacuous praise and false hopes to the detriment of standards (and, yes -- inflated price tags) deserves the death sentence.

The reality check -- if that's what it is -- should be applauded. There are few new names featuring in this show -- but then again I only counted about ten works out of more than 80 that I would describe as being poor -- and only one or two had been exhibited before. This is good thing. Given the choice I know what I would prefer to look at. The names might be all too familiar but at least they guarantee quality.

Of the few new names that are here the pastels of Doug McNeill stand out and deserve a mention. McNeill might not be saying anything new, he might not be teaching us to see the world in a new way, he might only be stating the blindingly obvious in that, yes, we do live in a breathtakingly beautiful place and yes, nature is wonderful -- but he manages to say it in a charming way.

This exhibition runs until April 9 and is well worth a visit.