store in St. George's.

Ms Holding decided to expand her retail operations after outgrowing her small studio on Featherbed Alley in St. George's.

"I had insufficent space to display work so when a new location with more space over The White Horse Tavern became available, I decided to renovate and move in,'' said Ms Holding.

"It was a stomach churning decision, but definitely the right one as I now have an area in the studio to finish off my work,'' she said.

The new premise, which was formerly occupied by Trimingham's Bermuda Railway Company, has been extensively renovated and remodelled to create a garden effect.

The new store, which will be known as Carole Holding Studio, will sell Ms Holding's artwork and also quality craftwork, including banana dolls made by Ms Judy Perry, cedar goods and hand decorated shells.

A six year lease has been agreed with The White Horse Tavern Ltd. The Featherbed Alley-based studio, which was opened in the early Eighties, will be renamed St. George's Art and Craft Studio. Ms. Holding will use the outlet to sell the work of local and international artists.

"I didn't want garish new signs so Lawson Mapp of Mapp Signs Ltd. insisted that I should paint the signs myself. Using sign writing paints, I wrote the letters surrounded by sprays of hibiscus,'' she said.

Ms Holding and her husband Mr. Joe Tee also run an antique and gift store at Hunter's Wharf, called the Long House Galley.

She began painting in oils 21 years ago, but soon converted to watercolours.

"I'm a colourist. I don't enjoy drawing but love painting,' said the artist, who yesterday autographed prints of Bermuda scenes at A. S. Cooper & Sons.

NEW ART -- Watercolour artist Ms. Carole Holding demonstrates her artistic skills to shoppers at A.S. Cooper & Sons Ltd. Ms Holding recently expanded her retail operation by opening St. George's Art and Craft Studio above the White Horse Tavern.