Local artists will benefit from the 'Just Art' programme that was launched yesterday in conjunction with Masterworks and Appleby Spurling and Kempe (AS&K).

The artist's work will be displayed at AS&K in the Cumberland Building and at Cedar House in Hamilton.

The first two featured artists are Sharon Wilson and Betsy Mulderig, who will provide Masterworks with a variety of paintings.

The work will either be rotated or replaced every four months to allow different artists to be featured throughout the year.

AS&K managing partner Peter Bubenzer said: "We are very pleased to assist in the promotion of local art and artists via this programme.

"We look forward to working with Tom Butterfield and the Masterworks Foundation team, and the individual artists who will be featured in the programme, to help ensure that artwork which is originated in and inspired by Bermuda receives exposure in as many ways as possible."

Tom Butterfield, director of Masterworks said: "It's a great opportunity for artists work to be seen in an environment that is informal, yet prestigious. A platform for the artists to showcase and sell, possibly to their constituency."

He added: "It's terrific corporate support and evidence of how far we've come in our appreciation of art around us."

One of the painters featured is Sharon Wilson, a Bermudian pastel artist. She runs the Sharon Wilson Art Gallery and also teaches adults on a one to one basis.

She is a figurative painter who has worked exclusively with pastels for the past 20 years. Much of her inspiration comes from her innate ability to capture the beauty of the ordinary through curiosity.

The second artist featured is Elizabeth Mulderig, who has lived in Bermuda for most of her life.

All of her work depicts the beauty of the Island and her people. Four of her paintings are currently on view on the Children's Ward at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Ms Mulderig has had many successful shows on the Island, Palm Beach, Ireland and Boston.

"We are very interested in presenting a good cross section of artwork being produced in Bermuda," said Mr. Bubenzer.

Any artist who is interested in participating in the programme should either contact AS&K or Masterworks.