In recognition of the 44th Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference held in Washington, DC from September 24 through 27, the Bermuda Overseas Office organised a reception and exhibition, featuring local artists Sharon Wilson and Monica Jones.

Ms Wilson gave an emotive lecture on Bermuda life, race relations and the humanising impact of her art at the National Press Club on September 26 to a Washington, DC audience of more than 100 people.

Bradley Kading, president and executive director of the Washington-based Association of Bermuda Insurers and Reinsurers (ABIR) attended the reception and said he was impressed with the “passionate speeches by the artists on emotional healing through their work. The exhibition and reception was an excellent presentation of Bermuda history and values to an insider audience.”

Mr Kading went on to say: “This was a good way to build relationships in Washington.”

In addition, directors of museums in the area were in attendance and expressed their delight in the quality and content of the work presented and the ideas expressed. They were impressed that Ms Wilson and Ms Jones both painted in encaustic (or hot wax painting), a technique which dates back a few thousand years and is not used often today. Several paintings were purchased.

The artists were delighted at the opportunity to exhibit on an international stage and were happy with the reception from the audience. Both Ms Wilson and Ms Jones jointly thanked “Ms Cheryl Packwood and Ms Vekeisha Rhoden of Bermuda’s Washington DC office for having the forethought to create an evening with a unique flavour of Bermudian culture and life.”

Commenting on the event, Sharon Wilson expressed her feelings: “I went in knowing what I wanted to share. I was excited. Bermuda’s story is unique and yet the same as the story of people everywhere.

“It’s the story of the human condition. I saw this as an opportunity to assume responsibility and raise the level of conversation as it relates to race and art and to share my insights on how I use art to depict black Bermudians in ways that dignify them and reflect their humanity.

“I, we, have no control over BET or any other Hollywood television portrayal of us. I do, however, have to come to terms and take responsibility for what I as an artist do with the work I produce. Imagery influences thinking, and at this time in history it is imperative that we think about what and how we influence others. I wanted to share with others, and explain the psychological and social importance that art plays in how we see and value ourselves.”

Ms Wilson continued: “The proof in the success of the evening from my point of view was that the audience of over 100 people stayed to talk further and share their stories. Bored, disinterested, disengaged people do not do this.

“It was a successful night not just for us, but for Bermuda and its people. We live in a global society, which necessitates that we find the courage to own our problems and to see them as opportunities to come together and find solutions.”

Ms Jones added: “I felt that people were interested in hearing what we had to say about what drives our art, and to have a snapshot into our lives, not only through the paintings, but also through my lens as a white Bermudian. I had really questioned whether I had a right to be at that event, but realised that the white Bermudian story was an important story to share and this is what I did, digging deep to explain how and why my skin colour has given me a deep and abiding determination to use my art and what I write and say to do my best to create a world that is more humane and peaceful.”

Ms Jones continued “I was sad and glad to meet Bermudians who have made their lives away from the home that birthed them. It was gratifying to know that people from the World Bank came, and Bermudian supporters drove and flew from miles away to come to attend the event, hear us speak and enjoy the art. The evening could only be classified as one where people came, they remained and stayed engaged. From my perspective it was a testament to the fortitude of Bermuda through the lens of its women.”

Ms Wilson is an internationally acclaimed artist. She received the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour in recognition of her art contribution to the Bermuda people.

Noted for portraying Bermuda and her people in everyday activities, she paints about relationships and moments shared between people. Ms Monica Jones has painted under the tutelage of Ms Wilson.

Once a lawyer and partner with the law firm Appleby, Ms Jones paints and writes to promote fundamental human rights with the goal of making the world more humane and peaceful. Both artists were accompanied by Ms Chikako Hoshina, also a local resident artist. The three artists personally supported all the costs and expenses of their travel arrangements.