The annual schools exhibition at the Bermuda Society of Arts is, as usual, overcrowded with works of art of all kinds, each vying for attention. This requires much concentration and time, on the part of each viewer, for the walls are, densely packed, from top to bottom. This is unfortunate, but I do not see what the Bermuda Society of Arts can otherwise do, to accommodate this most important exhibition, short of dividing the show into three completely separate exhibitions; one for the elementary schools, another for the middle schools and finally one for the secondary schools. That sounds like a better approach except that, given the BSoA's exhibition calendar, it is doubtless, an impractical idea.

In addition to the overcrowding, I also have another small criticism. I found it difficult to tell just where one school's display ended and the neighbouring school's display began. This has made it difficult to write about the show. It has probably not helped the viewing audience either. Despite the crowding of the walls, we can all be justly proud of what our young students are accomplishing. This also speaks well of the teachers, for there are in this show, works in a multitude of different media, from pencil drawings, paintings, collage, woodcuts, ceramics, assemblages, photography and digital creations. This diversity of media, itself, calls for much instruction on the part of the teachers. It also requires organisation. From what I have observed, we seem to have a great team of art teachers and that is commendable, for we now realise that the arts are not just a side frill in education. They are of central importance in cognitive development.

I used to think that the private schools had the edge on quality and creativity in the annual schools exhibition. In recent years, however, this no longer seems the case. That is not to say that the private schools are less than what they once were. Indeed, they continue to give quality instruction. The public schools, however, have been strengthening their art programmes and it shows.

I was impressed by the work of a number of students in this show. In particular, the work of several students from Harrington Sound Primary is noteworthy. Outstanding are, a Matisse-like drawing of a fish bowl by Chennin Waldron and a pastel garden by Devin Kerr that recalled the work of the Swiss artist, Paul Klee. From Prospect Primary there is a charming still-life of a pot, glass and book by Ritz Wong. From the same school, there is a striking portrait by Roma Avad.

From Mount Saint Agnes Academy, there is also an accomplished portrait in pencil by De Unde Cox and from the Whitney Institute, Jalay Raynor and Sabrina Ardnade are showing turtle like masks in ceramics. Of the several portraits of President Obama in this exhibition, one by Mikado Grant from CedarBridge Academy is remarkable. From Saltus there are also several extraordinary portraits, particularly those by Alexander Jack, Brendon Amos and Kortney Edwards. From The Bermuda High School, a papier-mâché object by Jenna Kassaram, called "Troubled Mind," is especially innovative and another three-dimensional creation worth seeing, is a cardboard box filled with pastries and cakes, which, although genuine looking, all are made of plaster. It reminded me of the pop sculptor, Claes Oldenberg.

This is one exhibition that needs to be seen and supported by as many as possible, especially of those who value the arts in education. That means, more than just the school groups and their art teachers, we all should give it our backing. I understand that some parents are coming to see the show, but typically, they breeze in to see what their kid has done and then they are off to wherever. Our students deserve better than that. Besides, child art is often completely enchanting. Picasso once said that "all children are artists. The problem is how to remain one, once he/she grows up."

The exhibition continues through February 16.