the Richard Saunders photography exhibition has opened to critical acclaim.

This show, mounted as a tribute to Bermuda's most famous photojournalist, is just the latest in a steady stream of special offerings organised by the Gallery since its doors opened 12 months ago.

Now, after two major exhibitions of 20th century art, another on marine paintings, early drawings and watercolours of Bermuda, and a Christmas show of Icons and Stained Glass, the Trustees are still looking firmly to the future.

The most ambitious project yet will get underway in October when the Gallery hosts its first international exhibition, direct from New York.

Bermuda will be the first stop on a North American tour for Secrecy: African Art that Conceals and Reveals, a huge exhibition of African tribal art which has just opened at the Centre for African Art in New York.

Dates for future exhibitions have already been pencilled in for the next six years. Some of these include commemorative shows on the Tucker sisters, Hereward Watlington and Desmond Fountain, Byllee Lang and photographer Paul Outerbridge. There will also be plans for exhibitions of Bermuda maps, Bermuda silver, archive photographs, model ships, Portuguese art, Old Master drawings, portraits and West Indian art.

In June, the Gallery will help the City of Hamilton celebrate its bicentennial with special exhibitions in the Ondaatje Wing and in the Masterworks section of the Gallery.

Speaking to Living about the Gallery's first year of operation, Chairman of the Trustees, Mr. Jay Bluck says the most encouraging -- and surprising -- reaction has come from the more than 1,200 school children who have passed through.

"Adults may have problems with some contemporary art but the children seem to love it. They look at the modern stuff without bias! This is quite the opposite of what we expected, so it's been a great learning experience for all of us.'' It was the enthusiasm of the children that led to a second exhibition of modern art, still on view in the main gallery.

Another pleasant surprise has been the huge success of the Gallery's after-hours activities. Musical concerts that range from the classics to gospel and jazz, plays, art lectures, book launches, fashion shows and corporate receptions have all been hosted here.

"It turns out that the acoustics are quite brilliant. You don't really need a microphone and of course it's a very beautiful setting in which to stage events. We are pleased that the gallery is being used by such a wide cross-section of the community,'' says Mr. Bluck.

Another popular innovation has been the docent (guide) programme. Trained volunteers take groups of people, especially school children, on tours of the Gallery. The aim of the docent is to introduce art to people who have no particular knowledge or background.

Says Mrs. Susan Krassy, who introduced the scheme to Bermuda, "The whole idea is to grab people's attention -- make them interested.'' There have been some teething troubles over the question of admission prices.

In an effort to attract more casual visitors, the gallery now only charges $3 (school parties and special groups are free) but Mr. Bluck says his board is working towards a plan that would enable the trustees to reach the ultimate goal of free admission for all. He notes that income from sponsors, grants, endowments, proceeds from the gallery shop and membership fees, will all help to that end.

"We have 600 members at the moment but we would like to see that increase to 2,000 by the end of the year. We are now in the midst of a big membership drive, so we would encourage anyone who's been thinking of joining, to please call us. We need you!'' Looking back over the first year, director Mrs. Laura Gorham emphasises the role of the National Gallery, the conception of which evolved from the initial Hereward Watlington bequest of renaissance to 19th century European paintings.

"The National Gallery is not in the job of purchasing art. We provide a secure and environmentally controlled setting for artwork (including things like antique furniture) that can be loaned or willed to the Gallery.'' She says they have already received works of art from local residents who, because of the climate, have tended to keep fine arts objects abroad. Some of these are now on permanent display as long-term loans to the Gallery.

Mr. Bluck adds, "We now have a national institution that is worthy of its name. The professionalism of the staff, and the rules and regulations which we insist upon are absolutely essential if we are to maintain international credibility. In other words, we have to match standards overseas if we want museums and galleries to lend us their collections or to allow us to take part in travelling exhibitions.'' Mrs. Gorham says she believes that the groundswell of support for the Saunders exhibition indicates the way she would like to see the Gallery develop.

"We were really overwhelmed by the response from people who knew Richard Saunders and admired his work. We received donations from right across the community and we would love to see that level of commitments for all of our other projects. We want people to realise that this is their gallery. It belongs to the people.'' There are several types of memberships available, all of which provide certain privileges, including discounts in the shop and for events staged in the gallery.

Annual individual membership is $50, family $75, overseas members $24 and students pay only $10. Further information is available from the National Gallery, telephone 295-9428.

ONE YEAR ON -- As the National Gallery celebrates its first anniversary, students from Paget Primary School gather round director Mrs. Laura Gorham and chairman Mr. Jay Bluck as they introduce the children to "The Watchers''.

This large modern sculpture by Lynn Chadwick has intrigued many young visitors since it was placed on permanent loan.