Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art certainly displayed their involvement in the community as they hosted their fourth annual "Arts for All Family Day" coordinated by Carrie Zenti, at the Museum on December 27, 2008. The event was well attended as about 300 people, young and old visited the museum in the Botanical Gardens for family fun.

Highlights of the free event consisted of activities such as mosaic creations with Shelly Hamill, painting by numbers, which were paintings from a collection at the gallery, basket weaving with Peggy Couper, observing sea shells with a magnifying glass, face painting and drawing activities within the newly-renovated galleries and classrooms.

In previous years, the event was held entirely outside due to the restoration of the galleries. This was a history-making year for Masterworks as it was the first time they were able to host the event inside the newly-renovated museum.

The treats continued throughout the day as the entertainment included performances by Hannah Lampit, Rachael Dailey, Brittney Ferreira all student violinists from the Bermuda School of Music. Their performances were dynamic. The event, sponsored by The 'American Friends of Masterworks', was particularly well-planned, well-attended and well enjoyed.

"I loved the painting in the classroom, it was fun", said five-year-old Essence Aikman.

In addition to the Arts for All family day, during the following week, December 29-31, Masterworks held art workshops as they have done in past Christmas and Easter breaks. The free classes for teens and adults were figure drawing with Vernon Clarke, pastel drawing with Frank Dublin and a painting demonstration with Manuel Palacio.

"I enjoyed the class", said Lucy Attride-Stirling about Vernon Clarke's figure drawing class. "I left with tips and useful techniques from the artist. It was a rare opportunity to work under Mr. Clarke."

Masterworks looks forward to getting similar feedback in April as they plan to host another workshop sponsored by Montpelier Re Foundation.

Education Coodinator, Carrie Zenti and the Masterworks family gave the instructors a huge thank you for their time and effort over the busy holiday season. Each shared his or her unique artistic skills and perspective in a fun and educational way - thanks to Vernon Clarke, Manuel Palacio and Frank Dublin along with countless volunteers who made this possible.

Masterworks hopes to continue to provide a place for art education, social interaction, self-discovery and creative risk-taking in the future.

Visit their website to see what is new in 2009.