A dozen artists have come together to produce art for the show entitled Let's Dance!

The show, which opens at Common Ground Café this evening, was inspired by Select Palette Art's Susan Pearson's love of all things dance.

She said: "Over the past few years there seems to be an increased interest in dance.

"The Salsa evenings, Bermuda Festival performances, recitals, and Dance Bermuda Auditions with international celebrity support, etc. are frequent headlines.

"Tuning into 'Dancing with the Stars' one can enjoy the transformation of professional and Olympic athletes, actors, singers, etc. into students of dance."

A few years back, artist Vernon Clarke had a solo exhibition at the Bermuda Society of Arts, entitled 'Portraits & Then Some'.

"One narrative painting in particular very effectively applied turquoise as shapely expressive highlights on the flesh tones of the back of a woman," said Mrs. Pearson.

"He was the first artist approached for the show exploring the movement, colour, music, emotion and passion of dance."

In addition to Mr. Clarke and Mrs. Pearson, other include: Ami Zanders, Antoine Hunt, Charles Anderson, Chris Grimes, Graham Foster, Kendra Earls, Krystal Mackenzie, Lynn Morrell, Piia Mills and Nick Minugh.

"Each artist brings a unique style and creative interpretation of the theme of dance," she said.

The exhibition consists of an interesting blend of mediums; silk screens, oils on canvas, Papier Scherenschnitte, acrylics on wood, pen and acrylic on card, digitally hand rendered images on canvas, textile art and sculpture.

"The 'Let's Dance!' concept has engaged figurative, portrait and artists of distinctive style that enjoy being challenged in a new direction. And this group of artists includes celebrated mural, Biennial and Charman Prize winning and solo exhibiting artists."

Of the work itself, Mrs. Pearson explained that it ranged from Classical to the Modern Abstract Cubist and Surreal. And the dance covered runs the gamut from Tango to Salsa, to Paso-Doble to Gombey.

"Coordinating and contributing to this show has been a great joy," she said. "Each distinctive work stands on its own to capture your attention. The thought provoking imagery will hopefully engage you to linger for a moment and allow yourself to be swept away."

The opening is from 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m. at Common Ground Café, 11 Chancery Lane. The show runs until May 26.

Contact: Select Palette Art on either SPArt@logic.bm or 505-4290.