Several select pieces from Masterworks 700-piece collection will be leaving their Island home for tour dates in the US. And plans for more stops are in the works.

Masterworks Foundation director Tom Butterfield explained: "The heart of the collection will go with some 50 paintings at each show.

"The paintings will vary from one location to another.'' Stops will include Philadelphia, New York, and as yet to be determined Boston.

Mr. Butterfield will also accompany the exhibits with curators from the various cities joining.

This has been given the full blessing of the Bermuda Tourism Board.

Estimated to be worth more than $4 million, the collection will tour for five weeks on each of the stops. It is not expected to return to the Island until sometime next year, depending on the outcome of the other shows.

The exhibitions will show works from artist Winslow Homer, Georgia O'Keffe, George Demuth, and Albert Gleizer with others.

"This is Bermuda's visual culture on parade,'' Mr. Butterfield said.

"This is a great opportunity for the Island to be showcased in this way.'' Mr. Butterfield pointed out that the "permanent collection is for enjoyment''.

"Prints, and postcards of the paintings will be available for sale,'' he said.

When the paintings return Masterworks will be looking for a new home to house its collection. Those arrangements are still being worked out.

"Through the eyes of the artists Bermuda has the opportunity to be seen in all its splendour,'' Mr. Butterfield said.

The hope is that this exhibition will "give Bermuda major exposure as a cultural, historical and visual destination''.

And for those who may think that Masterworks is no longer, Mr. Butterfield stressed: "We're still in business.''