The Chewstick Foundation is joining forces with the Bermuda Industrial Union to mark the 68th anniversary of the union’s official registration.

The performing arts charity hopes to celebrate the union’s “incredible history and leadership” with the paintings of two murals painted to honour trade union pioneers Dr Barbara Ball, the first female doctor to practice in Bermuda, and Ottiwell Simmons, former general president for the BIU.

The painting will begin at 8pm at the BIU on Union Street, Hamilton and members of the public are encouraged to attend and contribute to the painting. No skills in visual art are required.

BIU president Chris Furbert said: “The BIU is happy to partner with The Chewstick Foundation on this project. Our members and others in the community positively comment daily on the Dr Gordon mural, so I am looking forward to seeing Dr Ball and Brother Ottie immortalised on the walls of the Bermuda Industrial Union.”

The event marks the second phase of Chewstick’s mural series celebrating the union. The first mural depicted former BIU President Dr E F Gordon and was painted in February to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Belco strike.

The Chewstick Community Art Programme aims to “bring Bermuda’s history to the streets so that our heroes are not forgotten and their stories and contribution can remain solidly in the public’s consciousness to inspire future generations.”

Gavin ‘Djata’ Smith, lead visual artist of this project and executive director of The Chewstick Foundation, said: “Not a lot of people seem to know that I’m a visual artist too, and it has been a real honour to visualise our history in this way.

“I’ve been pleased with the outcome and particularly the collaborative nature of these projects.

“As we fortify this programme, I look forward to involving more artists in the visioning and process”.

The Chewstick Foundation has partnered with other organisations, charities and businesses on the Island to create murals that aim to break down barriers and bring vibrancy to the North Hamilton area.