A MOSAIC artist trained in Venice is bringing the medium to Bermuda this fall with classes run by the Masterworks Museum, writes Clare O'Connor.

Bermudian artist Shelly Hamill will be teaching 14 different mosaic workshops as part of Masterworks' fall schedule, with classes offered for adults, teens, children and even toddlers.

"Mosaic is a great art medium to work in and it is very easy to be successful right from the start," Ms. Hamill explained. "I am really looking forward to sharing my experience and getting more people excited about the ancient art of mosaic using modern techniques."

Ms. Hamill has long been a fixture of Bermuda's arts scene, with over a decade of experience on the island as a sculptor and photographer as well as volunteer and coordinator of the Art in the Park project.

Her work has been widely shown in exhibitions in both Bermuda and the US. She is a mosaic expert, having completed a Master in Mosaic at the renowned Orsoni School in Venice, Italy. Her recent experience includes a stint teaching mosaic workshops at the local Kaleidoscope Arts Foundation.

Ms. Hamill noted that the classes would be held in the newly opened Masterworks Museum building, completed earlier this year.

"The brand new building is a dream to work in and Masterworks has rolled out the red carpet to accommodate me," she said.

Other fall workshops include 'Plein Air Painting' with instructor and former Cedarbridge art teacher Manuel Palacio. Groups of adults and teens will take advantage of Masterworks' garden setting, learning to paint outdoors on canvas.

Professional artist Mr. Palacio's classes are full for the fall, but will be available again in January.

In addition to the mosaic and plein air classes, Masterworks is offering an afterschool programme for 5-12 year olds, mid-term break workshops and a Saturday junior arts club for budding artists aged 6-14.

To register for Shelly Hamill's mosaic workshops or any of the other classes on offer this fall, call 236 2950 or visit www.bermudamasterworks.com