Church halls often have an ornate beauty all their own — with stained glass and high ceilings. But St Paul AME Church’s Centennial Hall has added a new element of splendour to its interior, as it was transformed into the site of Bermuda’s latest art exhibition.The church has joined forces with local artists, including Manuel Palacio, Kenneth Burch, Antoine Hunt, Sharon Wilson and Christopher Grimes to create the ‘Mustard Seed at St Paul’ gallery.Running from now until next Friday, the public is encouraged to browse and buy the works on display. Part proceeds raised will go towards the church’s renovation project, said Rev Dr Lanel Guyton.“This is the first opportunity where this collection of artists has come together to form an actual exhibition,” said Rev Guyton. “Leading the way is Sharon Wilson, and the curator is Manuel Palacio, with a host of other artists.“This is a vision on top of a vision in that it actually connects religion with the community and the arts.”Rev Guyton said the church would be welcoming students from a variety of schools and members of the business community to visit the exhibit this week.“St Paul occupies a prominent geographical site in the City of Hamilton and is a community church,” he said. “This new partnership promoting local art is part of that community outreach and we encourage everyone to support this exciting exhibition.”The idea was the brainchild of the church committee chairperson, Virginia Wilson, and encouraged by artist and church member Kenneth Burch. Ms Wilson said they wanted to “demonstrate the vibrancy of the local arts community” and use the church as a means to showcase the contributions of local artists.Minister of Education, Dame Jennifer Smith, was present at the art exhibition to greet students on Tuesday. She also had two of her own works on display, including one piece entitled ‘Madonna & Child’ and another called ‘Men Behind Bars’.Dame Jennifer told young students she hoped the exhibit awakened a passion and excitement in them for the arts. “Studies in art are just as important as the core subjects like English and math,” she added.“There is a correlation between art and religion and way back long ago the people that supported arts were the churches who [commissioned artists] to paint murals and portraits of the Madonna and Jesus.”Long before she got into politics, Dame Jennifer said she expressed herself through reading and art, instead of verbally.She described herself as an expressionist and said she painted ideas that made a statement. Her painting ‘Men Behind Bars’, completed in 1973, depicted the disproportionate number of black males in prison.Even when men were not in jail, she said they were often imprisoned by their minds. “They didn’t feel there was a lot they could do and they could be all they could be,” she said.For more information call 292-0505 or e-mail stpaulamebda@gmail.com.For more pictures see the photogallery section of www.royalgazette.com