There are busy and exciting times ahead for the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard, now celebrating its fifteenth anniversary.

On Sunday, October 31 a joint exhibition, entitled "Bermuda Now and Then'', opens in the west-end gallery featuring images by Theresa Airey and paintings by Christopher Grimes.

The inspiration for Ms Airey's images stems from a book, "Old Bermuda'', which she discovered years ago in a Hamilton store. Later, she found that Mr.

Grimes had purchased the negatives of the photographs used in that book and contacted him with the suggestion that they work together on a "Bermuda Now and Then'' project using the old negatives, which were taken by an American visitor to the Island between 1899 and 1909.

Ms Airey proposed printing new phtographs from the old negatives and then trying to re-photograph the same spot from the same perspective today, while Mr. Grimes would create oil paintings based upon the images found in the collection.

And so the exhibition has come to pass.

Ms Airey, author of "Creative Photo Printmaking'', has shown her work extensively in exhibitions throughout her native United States, as well as in Spain, Bermuda, the Dominican Republic and Mexico.

It is also included in permanent collections, such as the prestigious Pretenkabinet of the Rijksuniversiteit in Leiden, Holland; and the Polaroid and Fuji, as well as Mrs. Hillary Clinton's private collection.

Ms Airey, who holds a Master's degree in Fine Art, has been a lecturer at the University of Maryland and Towson State University, and is currently teaching at the Maryland Institute.

She has been featured in several photography books, and her new book, "Creative Digital Printing'' will be released next Spring. Her next book will be on the creative spirit.

Bermudian Mr. Grimes began painting in 1974. Without formal training, but through practice, observations and perseverance, he has developed a unique style of painting and rendition.

His primary interests are in painting historical scenes, accurately recording the old days prior to the introduction of colour photography. Views of Bermuda continue to be his preferred subjects, and he owns an extensive collection of black and white photographs of the period.

Prior to commencing a painting, Mr. Grimes studies the relevant Bermuda history in an effort to better portray life as it then was.

The artist has also produced a number of paintings depicting famous naval battles of the 18th and 19th centuries.

His paintings are found in commercial, corporate and private collections throughout the world, and they have also been used to illustrate a number of Bermuda books.

A calendar published in 1984 to celebrate the Island's 375th anniversary features 12 of his paintings depicting scenes spanning from the Sea Venture to the Bermuda Railway.

Oils are Mr. Grimes' preferred medium, and he primarily produces works on commission from his Southampton studio.

The joint exhibition will run until November 19.

Miss Airey will conduct several workshops at the Bermuda Arts Centre at Dockyard in November.

The first, "How to Handle Infra Red Film'' and "Hand Colouring Photographic Images'', takes place on November 5, 6 and 7. The second, "Polaroid Transfers -- Image and Emulsion Transfers'', takes place on November 20 and 21. For full details of both courses, including fees, contact Miss Lilla Zuill at 234-2809, or fax 234-0540.