A profusion of colourful hats, flowers and paintings are all part of a new exhibit opening at the Masterworks Gallery this month.

The exhibit 'Flora Arts and Fine Arts' will feature the work of artist Elizabeth Mulderig, floral artist Suzan Sickling and hat maker JudiAnn Smith.

"The artists have worked together through their artistic friendship to form a symbiosis of beauty, harmony and whimsy in three separate mediums," said Kate Waters, special projects coordinator at Masterworks.

The exhibition will be in the Rick Faries Gallery.

All of the items in the exhibition are arranged to complement one another.

"Both the hats and the flowers will be based on various themes within the paintings," said Ms Waters. "For example, Elizabeth's 'Gom Bay' painting will be surrounded by a tall, hot pink flower sculpture and a large, sparkly, feathered version of a gombey hat. Since the miniatures range in titles from 'Martini Flowers' to 'Moon Balloons' this show will prove to be an original and colourful combination of artistic expressions."

Ms Smith's hat designs use Bermuda folklore and various trinkets from her world travels. She is known for using her hats to create little worlds filled with detail.

"Her sister, Suzan is well known for her flower arrangements that have been featured in magazines and books," said Ms Waters. "Suzan has been in the flower arranging business for years and has been responsible for designing some of the Island's most elegant parties and weddings."

In fact, Ms Sickling decorated Ms Mulderig's wedding in April.

"The wedding bouquets were as simple and as gorgeous as I expected them to be," said Ms Mulderig. "What I didn't expect was the brilliant way Suzan transformed the little reception room. She filled the room with flowers and my favourite colours. She transformed it into something out of a fairy tale. My husband, Hubert (Watlington), and I both love animals so Suzie found whimsical vases in the shapes of dogs, giraffes etc. to put the flowers in. She is incredibly creative and I am so honoured to be showing with these two talented sisters."

Ms Mulderig said it was Ms Sickling who planted the idea for the show.

"She might not remember, but about two years ago, Suzan said, 'Some day let's show together'. I loved that idea because I love her work."

Ms Mulderig won a Charman Prize award this year for 'Use of Material'. She has been showing her miniature paintings for years, giving portions of the proceeds to various Island charities.

This will be the first Masterworks show for JudiAnn Smith and Susan Sickling.

The Duchess of Gloucester will open the exhibition. There will be a special opening for Masterworks members on November 14 from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m., and a public opening reception on the following Monday, from 5.30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The show runs through November 24. For more information telephone 236-2950, or e-mail artmworks@logic.bm.