Hospital, it is not as unusual as it seems. Recently The Royal Gazette's Nancy Acton spoke to Justine about her plans for the West End gallery and outlook on the Island's vibrant arts community Not only has Mrs. Foster had a lifelong interest in art, but in addition to her honours degree in diagnostic imaging, she also holds an honours degree in art history and the theory of art from Britain's Essex University, preparation for which included spending time travelling around Europe, but mainly France and Italy, studying art and visiting as many galleries as possible. Since arriving in Bermuda, the Curator has worked as a volunteer at both the Bermuda National Gallery and the Bermuda Society of Arts gallery, and as the wife of well-known Bermudian artist, Graham Foster, has been constantly involved in the local art scene. "The opportunity for me to expand my own personal and creative horizons was definitely foremost in my mind when I accepted this post,'' she says. "I knew it would be a challenge that I couldn't allow to slip by. It isn't often you get a chance to completely change the direction of your career and get back to the thing that really interests you.'' Extensive work experience in the retail industry in her native Britain will also be useful in her new post, so all in all Mrs. Foster is confident that not only is she equipped to make a success of her curatorship, but also she will put her own stamp on the post as time progresses. Certainly, she is enjoying her new environment immensely.

"Galleries have such a wonderful quality. They are places that can be peaceful and contemplative, yet at the same time they can buzz with energy and new ideas. "Working in Dockyard at the Bermuda Arts Centre I experience both aspects -- the tranquility of the surroundings and the creative hive of activity within. It's especially good when the studio artists are beavering away in their various corners of the gallery. In fact, I'm hoping some of their creativity will rub off on me!'' For the present, however, the Curator is busy learning the ropes and upholding the excellent reputation which the gallery enjoys. At the same time, she is working with others to make the most of its assets in various ways, including redecorating, and refreshing and renewing the stock of artwork both on the walls and in the in-house shop, as well as offering new merchandise. Like all non-profit organisations, Mrs.

Foster says the Bermuda Arts Centre is always in need of funds to carry out improvements, and she hopes that through this article beneficiaries will come forward to help. "We would love to have new floors, and we need structural things such as new electrical wiring to improve the look of the gallery,'' she explains. "We want to keep our standards high and maintain our position as a gallery with a good reputation.'' As well, certain office equipment is now obsolete and in urgent need of replacement, so assistance in this regard would also be welcomed. "Our (PC) computer is chock full, our printer breaks down every few minutes, and we need a photocopier,'' she explains. "Our equipment works very hard and it has been here a long time, so it has its obsolescence.'' These are just some of the ways she hopes the public will assist artists -- something the Curator believes is culturally important.

"The art community in Bermuda is alive and kicking, but it needs to be supported by the businesses and people of Bermuda. Artists, be they painters, musicians, actors or singers, are the backbone of their country's cultural identity, and we have to remember that Bermuda would be poor in many respects without them.'' Of the Centre's programme of themed exhibitions, Mrs. Foster promises they will continue to challenge the artists' creative boundaries, as will the anonymous jurying system which allows the gallery to keep its standards high. "Whenever I have come up to see a show I have always been amazed by the innovativeness of the artists, and since people come a long way to visit the gallery we want them to have something memorable to look at,'' she explains. The new Curator is enthusiastic about the Centre's workshops programme, which is unique among local galleries, and hopes to expand the variety of artistic topics offered, as well as the people who present them.

"In addition to overseas presenters, we want to tap home-grown talent for these workshops,'' she says. "We have a lot of talent here, and we want to try everything, such as papier mache, paper making and sculpture -- whatever gets people to try something new.'' While her official title is Curator, Mrs.

Foster stresses that she is part of a well-knit team, all of whom work happily and efficiently together. Serving on the exhibitions committee gives her an additional opportunity to get involved in the gallery's mission. "The Arts Centre really does mean a lot to people, and they really look after it, so it is a privilege to be here,'' she assures. "We have a lot of faithful members, and we keep them supplied with new ideas.'' Of course, new members are always welcome, and Mrs. Foster says the Arts Centre particularly needs those who will be active supporters and participate fully in its activities. Looking to the future, the Curator sums up her hopes as "serving the Arts Centre well, and bringing some new ideas and perspectives to an already thriving gallery