The exhibition of contemporary, late 19th and early 20th century works of art now on show at the Harbour Gallery, vividly illustrates the dawn of a potentially exciting new era for the Bermuda Society of Arts.

Faced with the possibility of having to close its doors after less than a year's operation, rescue came for the Society last month with its decision to share the premises with art dealer Mr. Nicholas Lusher.

Under the new arrangement, he now acts as general manager of the gallery, selling members' work, with one room set aside for his own dealership, Nicholas Lusher Art and Antiques. In a small ante-room, used largely for administrative work, there are also some American and Russian paintings.

"The Harbour Gallery is still the Harbour Gallery, and still the second home of the Bermuda Society of Arts,'' he emphasises. "The biggest difference is that, instead of being run on a co-operative volunteer basis, it will now be run on a professional basis with a consistent point of reference -- a move which I believe will benefit everyone. I am looking forward to working closely with volunteers whom I would like to involve in helping to make this gallery a focal point in the community. I believe this new association between the Society and myself represents a bold new initiative in the arts world.'' The arrangement, he explains, under which old and new works hang side by side, will help illustrate Bermuda's artistic heritage, besides helping to maintain a high standard throughout the gallery. "They all have to measure up to each other!'' says Mr. Lusher."One of the benefits of this gallery is that it used to be a family home, so there is a warmth and intimacy here that lends itself very well to showing Bermudian works of art. It's climate-controlled and professionally lit, a beautiful little gallery in a wonderful setting.'' That sense of warmth has been highlighted by a few pieces of antique furniture which now adorns the gallery, and is also for sale.

Besides a collection of paintings by some of Bermuda's leading contemporary artists, the current exhibition of Bermuda-inspired works from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, possibly represents the finest collection of early Bermuda paintings ever publicly offered for sale.

It is certainly worth a visit to the Harbour Gallery, to view what is on show: two magnificent Bermuda oil paintings by American impressionist William Chadwick, as well as three spectacular items by Reynolds Beal, one oil painting and two watercolours, demonstrating the high quality of work on exhibition. There are also watercolours by George Ault, Evelyn Bicknell, Edith Watson, and two by Charles Lloyd Tucker.

Of particular interest are two rare portraits, being offered as a pair (see photograph) of a Bermudian boy and girl, dating from the 1870s, a period where only a very few Bermuda-related works remain in existence. Painted by M.P.

West, who was an exhibitor with London's Royal Academy, her work has since been collected by the Victoria and Albert Museum.

"I would like to invite people to come and see a very fine cross section of paintings, both contemporary and early works which, in this show, date from the latter half of the 19th century -- this is both an exhibition and a sale venue, so people are very welcome to just come and look! I would also hope that people won't feel shy of letting us know what their particular collecting interest in art is, because even if we don't have a certain artist or type of work on view at present, we would certainly try to accommodate them.'' He is especially thrilled to have on display in this first exhibition, an original work by Donald Kirkpatrick.

"We have some excellent contemporary artists represented here,'' explains Mr.

Lusher. "I would like to point out that the Bermuda Society of Arts is the oldest art institution in Bermuda, and Donald Kirkpatrick was one of the founders of the Society. Today's contemporary art is, in many cases, tomorrow's historical art, and the Kirkpatrick piece throws into dramatic relief, the fact that 40 years ago, he was a `contemporary' artist, working quietly away in Bermuda. Now, his work is considered an important acquisition in any private collection. `Old' art doesn't necessarily equal `good' art, but generally speaking, it does take time to establish a work of art's importance and collectibility. Most older art that does survive has gone through what I call that `filtering' effect which tends to discard the lesser stuff and preserve the better quality work.'' Nicholas Lusher, who says he has always loved art, and that his chosen career as an art dealer is "just something I love to do'', admits he could probably have chosen a more lucrative career. "Being a dealer brings rewards and also brings a lot of anxieties! There is a certain euphoria that comes with purchasing a work of art, both for the dealer and the collector, and that euphoria transcends economics. For most true collectors, that excitement goes far deeper than simply the adrenalin of spending money. Basically, I think the art business barometer is not simply a financial one -- far from it -- I do this for a living, but if I were really interested in making money, I would probably have joined the family real estate business long ago!'' Asked how he defines a `good' work of art, he replies, "I think good art is technical accomplishment with a splash of talent or, in rare instances, a splash of genius.'' He is emphatic that even if he came across a work that did not reflect his personal taste, but could see that it would be commercially viable, in most instances, he would avoid it -- "my heart has to be in the piece.'' In fact, he says, being an art dealer automatically involves some difficult decision-making.

"When it comes to my business, these paintings have been purchased with my own money and it is my money that is substantiating an opinion that these are good works of art. I think many people like to see themselves as art critics -- everybody, after all, and quite rightly, has an opinion, but there is a big difference in having an opinion and using that opinion to make decisions on endorsing a work of art by buying it.'' Mr. Lusher says he is encouraged by initial sales and the strong sense of optimism at the Gallery. "Many people were truly dismayed by the possibility of having to close it down, so when we were able to cement a relationship that gave the Society a new lease of life, everyone was very pleased. This gallery provides an important second venue for Society members to show and sell their work and I do believe that the greater the pluralism of the art world, the better it is for the arts in Bermuda.''