Taking over the reins of the Bermuda Society of Arts' recently acquired Harbour Gallery on Pitts Bay Road is Ms Heidi Smith.

Although she doesn't personally wield a paintbrush, she is the daughter of artist Ms Maria Smith, "So I've grown up with it all! My mother managed to rope me in quite early, as a volunteer. This turns out to be a great advantage as it means that I already know a lot of the artists we are featuring here.'' With the high roster of about 300 practising artists in Bermuda, this inside knowledge should set her in good stead in her new position as the gallery's curator. She also brings a good business background, acquired at college in the US, and as a buyer for a Front Street store. She also set up and ran the Britannia Gallery for two years.

The Society's Harbour Gallery premises opened last October, as an extension to its City Hall gallery. Apart from selling artwork (an eclectic collection of paintings and sculpture in every price range, handmade jewellery, posters and cards), the beautiful three-roomed gallery which overlooks the harbour also provides an ideal setting where artists and art lovers can get together on an informal basis. The Society, recognising that many potential activities have been hampered by limited opening hours at City Hall, is anxious to rectify this and to involve more of its general membership.

Ms Smith is already drawing up plans for evening and weekend events which, she feels, will attract a wider range of people.

In an attempt to diversify activities, one of the first events will take place March 10, when investment manager Mr. Robert Pires will give an informal talk that might help "starving artists'' to cope with their financial affairs.

"But it's not just for artists. We think that managing money is of interest to a lot of people, and any member of the Society is welcome to attend. There will be a question and answer period, and after that we'll be serving dinner.'' Food, in fact, comes up frequently in Heidi Smith's plans for the gallery.

"We have facilities to serve food so we are hoping to have more social events where people can get together for dinner. And now that we have a club liquor licence, they can also have a glass of wine. We want people to get used to coming here for an evening's entertainment, with wine tasting sessions, or perhaps just coffee and desserts.'' As the oldest art institution on the Island (and until very recently, the only one), Heidi Smith feels that the Society has earned its good image in promoting and nurturing the Island's artists. The Harbour Gallery, she says, continues that image, especially in its policy of featuring the work of a different member each month. The first artist chosen when the gallery opened was Chris Marson, and future artists will include Jon Mills, Diana Tetlow, Caroline and John Finch, Valerie Tennant and Elmer Midgett.

"I think there's a perception that we have an older membership, so we would like to encourage younger people to become active in the Society -- anyone who is interested in the visual arts -- not necessarily artists,'' she explains.

"If you look at the membership of the BMDS, for instance, not everyone acts! As a society, they are very strong, because their productions involve all sorts of help, so that involves all sorts of people.'' Future plans also include a library at the Pitts Bay Road premises. "So if anyone would like to donate art book and magazines, we would like to hear from you!'' Asked about her favourite artist, Heidi Smith laughs and replies, "Well, I don't want to sound cheesy, but my mother is my favourite! But I also love Will Collieson. There is such a limited arena here for found object art. His work is so fresh. He goes to the beach and picks up some piece of driftwood, or something and creates something wonderful out of it.'' Ms Smith says she believes that the Society needs to tap the full potential of Bermuda's artistic community.

The urgent need, she emphasises, is for volunteers to help man the new gallery.

"I'm appealing to all of our members to get involved. We have some very exciting plans for workshops, talks, musical and social evenings, but we do need people to help organise and run them.'' Describing the Harbour Gallery as an "artists' co-operative'', Ms Smith explains that any artist who displays their work there, is expected to take their turn on duty.

"I think most people who come in to work one morning or afternoon, find it a rewarding experience. And visitors never know who they're going to find! Someone was admiring a painting by Val Tennant the other day, and in the end, Val, who happened to be behind the desk, confessed she was the artist. I think the visitor was fascinated to meet and talk with her!'' Further information on the March 10 talk and dinner can be obtained from Heidi Smith at the Harbour Gallery, 296-2232. She would also be very pleased to hear from anyone who would be interested in joining a team of volunteers at the gallery.

HEIDI AT THE HARBOUR -- Ms Heidi Smith, curator of the Harbour Gallery.