THIS weekend is your last opportunity to see Bermuda through the abstract expressionist eye of artist Barbara Dillas. Her one-woman show at Masterworks Museum at the Botanical Gardens, which opened on September 5, closes on Tuesday,.

Speaking with Mid-Ocean News about the art exhibition, Ms Dillas said: "I've been painting for 28 years. My favourite medium is acrylic and, accordingly, most of my paintings are in acrylic."

Explaining the style and subject matter, Ms Dillas said: "The style of painting you are going to see is abstract and abstract expressionism. There is also a photography section to the exhibit and there is also mix media with airbrush and acrylic. The subject matter varies from people to sailboats to flowers."

Ms Dillas, head of the art department at Sandys Middle School, said: "The art scene here in Bermuda is still a bit challenging. Marketing is the key, though, in knowing what market to hit if you want sales. Word of mouth is still the best exposure and we really need more media coverage. The art scene is nowhere near where I think it should be in the 21st century, but it is coming and more and more kids are getting into art."

Ms Dillas, who went to Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio and received her Bachelor of Science in art education, spoke about the difference in teaching art and creating art and that motivates her.

"The biggest difference in creating art to teaching art is once I'm teaching I'm still learning the process myself. Basic things like how the kids are motivated are things that motivate me," she said.

Ms Dillas hopes more young people take up art in Bermuda: "If I had any advice for people thinking about getting into painting I would say follow your dreams. You have to be consistent with it. It's not an easy task and it's challenging but I say stick with it. You can do anything you want to do if you want it bad enough."

The Barbara Dillas Exhibition is at The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art and runs until Tuesday September 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.