Thank you to everyone who joined us for the six-week charcoal drawing programme led by Richard Sutton. Classes, which took place in the gallery after hours, focused on figure drawing with both clothed and nude models.
Richard shared an academic approach to charcoal drawing and the use of light and shadow. We had a great response from those who attended and look forward to further drawing classes in the fall.
“Phenomenal opportunity to explore my creative side. The discipline has been transformative. I have learned how to SEE and now know the magical zen state producing art can provide.”
We are currently seeking applications for our 2023 Internship Programme. Sponsored byButterfield, this is a three-month paid programme that provides on-the-job training in all aspects of museum operations for studentsaged 18 to 25. There is a new intake every quarter and we are currently seeking applications for the Spring, Summer and Fall placements. Applications are due by February 20.
The BNG internship is a paid programme which provides Bermudians with the opportunity to work in a dynamic arts and culture institution and gain work experience towards their future goals. The selected candidates will support the small team of staff with projects that cover all aspects of running the organisation, from ideation to administration.
Butterfield’s Managing Director of Bermuda and International Wealth, Michael Neff, says: “Butterfield is pleased to support the Bermuda National Gallery with their continued efforts to create learning opportunities and education programmes for students of all ages in our community, helping to inspire the next generation through arts, culture and heritage. Much like our own internship programme for those with an interest in financial services, this initiative gives young people with an interest in the creative industries an opportunity to get paid and gain hands-on experience.”
The programme structure is tailored to each participant’s experience and interest, with the aim of developing their resume to best assist with their career goals. This will include, but is not limited to, assisting with:
Office administration
Exhibition research, design and creation
Marketing
Event planning
Installation of artwork and management of the gallery space
Exhibition tours and public speaking
Education programmes, including the BNG summer camp
Julia Cox (pictured above), who is currently interning with the Bermuda National Gallery, says: “I come from a background in Fine Art Photography and am now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Psychology. I recommend that students of all backgrounds apply for the BNG internship programme. One can gain experience in an array of skillsets while working here, from events management to marketing and communications, including how you interact with people in a professional setting. All skills, to an extent, applicable to a psychology degree and to many other career paths that differ from the visual arts.”
Former intern Alice Moniz (pictured above), who is currently studying for a Masters Degree in Public Policy at Sciences Po in Paris, added: “The BNG internship was unforgettable! From giving tours, curating an exhibition and learning about the internal workings of an organisation, I developed valuable relational, organisational and operational skills. Another wonderful part of the BNG internship experience was working with their wonderful, dynamic team! It was truly an experience which nurtured growth and in which teamwork was valued. I hope to find such a great working environment in my next professional experience. This was an important part of my career trajectory. I will carry the lessons learned and great memories with me. Thank you, BNG.”
How to Apply
Applications are open to all Bermudians in full or part time education between the ages of 18 and 25. No previous experience is necessary. The next intakes take place in Spring, Summer and Fall. The standard period for the internship is five days per week for three months, however this can be amended based on the day-to-day needs of the candidate.
To apply, send a letter explaining why you are interested in the internship programme, along with a copy of your resume, to Executive Director Peter Lapsley at director@bng.bm.
The Bermuda National Gallery Internship Programme provides paid opportunities for people aged 18–25 and training in all aspects of museum operations. The 2022 programme is generously sponsored by Zurich Bermuda (a member of the Zurich Insurance Group).
As a small team, interns play a key role in the smooth running of BNG. We’d like to extend abig thank you to Yasmin Eve-Townsend who spent the summer with us, and welcome Julia Cox who joins us for next 3 months.
Julia (above) recently graduated from the Arts University of Bournemouth with a BA (Hons) in Photography and is looking to gain an in-depth understanding of what goes on behind the scenes at an art gallery. With an interest in curation, she will be assisting the team as they prepare for our upcoming exhibitions.
A graduate of Bermuda College and the Berkeley Institute, Yasmin (below) is currently completing a placement year as part of a BA (Honours) degree in Film at the University of Kent. We caught up with her as she prepares to return to university, to discuss what it was like to assist on the installation of the Bermuda Biennial and A Personal Perspective: Photographs by Richard Saunders and find out what she has learnt from her internship.
Top: Julia Cox recently graduated from the Arts University Bounemouth and is interning at BNG for the next 3 months. Above: Yasmin Eve-Townsend just finished a summer placement at the gallery and is returning to the University of Kent.
BNG: What have you been working on during your time at the Bermuda National Gallery?
YET: When I started here in June, we were in the middle of setting up the 2022 Bermuda Biennial, so helping with the installation was the first thing I did. After the exhibition opened, I was given the task of uploading the online exhibition that goes with it. I then did the same for A Personal Perspective: Photographs by Richard Saunders when that opened. Most recently, I’ve done a lot of research for an upcoming exhibition.
BNG: What has been the most interesting part of your exhibition and why?
YET: I’ve really enjoyed learning about all of the different artists that are exhibited here. I genuinely didn’t think that I would learn this much about art in general during my internship! I feel like I’ve learnt so much. I would say that before, my knowledge about fine art was at zero and now I feel like I have a base. I’m also a lot more interested in it than I was before.
Yasmin assists Lara Hetzel, BNG’s Volunteer and Operations Officer, with the lighting for A Personal Perspective: Photographs by Richard Saunders.
BNG: What has surprised you about working at the Bermuda National Gallery?
YET: I’ve been surprised about the amount the work that goes into curating. All of the artworks are placed in a very specific way and everything in the gallery is there to create a better flow between artworks and to ensure that whoever is walking through the gallery has the best experience they can. There is a lot of care and consideration that goes into what is showcased.
BNG: In what ways has the work placement helped you in terms of you career path and next steps?
YET: This was my first internship and it feels like it has laid a lot of groundwork for any future experiences that I’ll have working with a team in a creative field. It was a really good experience and well rounded as well. I’ve become very interested in curating and I would enjoy interning at a museum or art gallery again.
The BNG Internship Programme provides paid opportunities for people aged 18 – 25 and training in all aspects of museum operations. For further information email Peter Lapsley at director@bng.bm.
Registration is now open for our popular Art + Tech Summer Camp, which runs from July 4 through to August 26. The programme, which is aimed at students age 11 to 14, will cover animation, digital painting and photo-editing. Students will each be assigned an iPad and Apple Pencil to work with.
Classes will be limited to 15 students and will be based between the Bermuda National Gallery and BNG’s satellite education space in the nearby Washington Mall, generously sponsored by Washington Properties.
Due to high demand, registration is limited to one week only and students, are asked to choose their preferred module. They can choose from:
Animation (July 4-8, August 1-15 and August 22-26): In this module, students will learn the principles of animation and apply those to making short 2D animations.
Digital Painting(July 11-15, August 8-12): Students will learn colour theory and digital painting techniques in order to create digital paintings of their own.
Photo-editing (July 18-22, August 15-19): Using photography and photo editing techniques, this week will introduce students to digital collage and photobashing.
Pricing: Family Members+: $250, Non-members: $325 (includes free membership). Bursaries are available for low-income students, for information please email Education Officer Rehana Packwood at education@bng.bm.
Registration is open for the winter semester our of our education programmes. We have a wide variety of classes on offer for adults and children alike. Classes begin in January.
Places are strictly limited. Sign up today to avoid disappointment!
DRAWING FOR ANIMATION: 8 week after school programme (age 14 – 18) Tuesdays and Thursdays 3.45 – 5.15pm Begins January 11 Students will learn to create their own short animations on an IPad and will learn drawing techniques for animation. $325 for an 8 week course (2 lessons per week) Must be a BNG Family Member. Click here to register.
YOUTH ARTS COUNCIL: Free weekly programme for teens Saturdays 10am – 12pm Begins January 22 Students meet every Saturday for gallery tours, artist talks, critiques, team building and more. Free. Click here to register.
DRAW AND EXPLORE: 6 week artist led drawing programme for adults Wednesdays 5pm – 7pm Begins January 19 Learn from professional artists and hone you skills across a variety of art making techniques. $125 for a 6 week course. Must be a BNG member. Click here to register.
URBAN SKETCH: Free weekly artist meet up in Hamilton Saturdays 11am – 1pm Begins January 15 Join Education Officer to explore a new city location each week. Meet in the gallery before heading out to draw from life. Free. Drop in. Click here to register.
Next week we are launching a new adult evening class. Draw and Explore is a six week programme led by local artists. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from these professional artists while honing their skills across a variety of drawing techniques.
The first two sessions will be led by seven-time Bermuda Biennial artist Dr Edwin M.E. Smith (pictured above with his 2020 Biennial artwork Transience). Dr Smith will be exploring the possibilities of charcoal and loose mark-making.
The following two weeks will be led artist and educator Richard Sutton, who will be using hatching to build tones with charcoal pencils on newsprint.
This will be followed by two sessions with Rachel Swinburne, a former Bermuda Biennial artist and founder of the Peaceful Art Protest. She will be focusing on key drawing fundamentals through a range of experimental continuous line, contour drawing and gesture drawing exercises.
Classes take place in the gallery on Wednesday evenings. Doors open at 5pm and class takes place between 5.30pm and 7pm. The course, which begins on October 27, is $125 per person and open to BNG members. The fee includes a glass of wine at each session.
All skill levels are invited to join. Limited to 15 spaces. Participants must supply their own materials. Please note that BNG members now receive a 10% discount at the Stationery Store.
We are launching three new education programmes this fall. Adult classes will start at the end of this month and the after-school programme will begin in November after the mid-term break.
Registration opens exclusively to BNG members this Saturday, one week before it opens to the public. Spaces are strictly limited so if you are not currently a member, join today to avoid disappointment.
BNG Urban Sketch
BNG Urban Sketch is a new weekly meet up for artists to go out into the city and sketch together. OnSaturdays from 11am – 1pm, participants will meet in the gallery and then visit different locations around Hamilton to sketch life.
Sessions start on Saturday, October 30.The programme is free and open to all to drop in. All you need is a sketchbook and pencil, but you can bring any supplies you would like to work with. Please note that BNG members now receive a 10% discount at the Stationery Store.
Please note that a government SafeKey is required for attendance.
Draw and Explore
BNG has partnered with local artists to lead a six-week drawing class for adults. Participants will have the opportunity to learn from these professional artists while honing their skills across a variety of drawing techniques.
Classes take place in the gallery on Wednesday evenings, from 5pm to 7pm, starting on Wednesday, October 27. The course is $125 per person and open to BNG members. The fee includes a glass of wine at each session. All skill levels are invited to join. Limited to 15 spaces.
Participants must supply their own materials. Please note that BNG members now receive a 10% discount at the Stationery Store.
Please note that a government SafeKey will be required for attendance.
After School: Drawing for Animation
Starting in November, BNG will offer a six-week after-school intensive programme for high school students aged 14-18. Students will learn to create their own short animations on the iPad from a foundation of the principles of animation and drawing techniques for animation.
Classes will meet every Monday and Thursday from 3:45pm – 5:15pm in the BNG Washington Mall satellite workspace. iPads will be provided for student use.
The course starts on Monday, November 1. The cost is $250 per student and open to BNG Family Members. Limited to 10 places.
Click here to register for After School: Drawing for Animation.
Please note that BNG will supply lateral flow tests to be used before class.
For further information about any of these classes please email Education Officer Rehana Packwood at education@bng.bm or call 295 9428.
The past few months have been busy behind the scenes at the gallery and we would like to extend a big thank you to our three summer students who have helped our small but dedicated team navigate several large projects. Eanajah Armstrong, Katherine Grainge and Gabrielle-Hadassah Reid recently wrapped up a 10 week placement with the Bermuda National Gallery.
Eanajah and Katie joined us as part of the BNG Internship Programme, generously sponsored byZurichBermuda (a member of the Zurich Insurance Group), while Gabby joined us as part of the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Workforce Development summer employment programme.
The BNG Internship Programme provides paid opportunities for young people within the arts and culture sector and on-the-job training in all aspects of museum operations.
We sat down with Eanajah, Katie and Gabby, who each assisted different team members on a variety of projects, to find out what they have been working on, the most interesting part of their internship and what surprised them most about working at the Bermuda National Gallery.
Eanajah Armstrong
A graduate of the Berkeley Institute, Eanajah Armstrong recently completed a two-year Liberal Arts Programme at the Bermuda College. Having previously worked as a Camp Counselor at Allen Temple and as a student volunteer in Delhi, India, as part of the Bermuda Overseas Missions, Eanajah will be returning to Bermuda College at the end of the month to further her studies with a focus psychology. She plans to work in art therapy when she graduates.
Eanajah works on the installation of In Dark Seas: Swimming With Sea Butterflies in the BNG Project Space
BNG: What have you been working on during the internship?
EA: One time I was going through my emails when I came across the Bermuda National Gallery newsletter. Honestly, it was my first time receiving the newsletter since I had recently joined. I remember reading this ad notifying the public about a possible internship opening. In the next minute, I was sending an email requiring the information for the position. Little did I know that in a few months I would be selected for the programme.
When I applied for the internship I had no clue what I was getting into, but it has proved to be one of the best decisions I have ever made, to say the least. During my three months here, I have been engaged in various projects including exhibition installations, stocking and reorganizing storage spaces, researching information and other errands. Overall, I have really enjoyed being able to assist with creating a functional and spacious environment for the staff at BNG.
BNG: What does a typical day at the gallery look like for you?
EA: Running a museum is not an easy job, there is so much that goes on behind the scenes that many people do not know about. Many see the art on the wall but forget to acknowledge the ones that put it there. I am glad that I was able to be a part of a team that works seamlessly together and also does so much for the community.
In addition, I was able to lend a hand with the Art & Tech Camp that was hosted by BNG this summer. In this camp, kids were not only able to learn a new skill but were also able to create works of art that they could call their own.
BNG: What has been the most interesting part of your internship and why?
EA: Have you ever sat alone with art? It’s a different kind of peace, a peace that I was able to experience every day at the gallery. As you can probably guess, my favorite part of working at the gallery is the art. Unlike social media, you can’t choose what type of art you are exposed to. Being able to engage with and admire art pieces that I wouldn’t normally look at was amazing. As an artist, being surrounded by so much art has given me the inspiration to chase my dreams and hope that one day I may see my own work on a museum wall.
BNG: What has surprised you most about working at BNG?
EA: The museum’s office doesn’t have walls, it has books. People should not be looking for information on the internet but museums instead. If humans could swim in knowledge, the average person would drown in the knowledge that Bermuda National Gallery holds.
BNG: Has your internship been helpful?
EA: I was asked if I would recommend this internship to someone else and the answer is yes, of course. If your passion is art, this is the place for you. If you love books and information, this is the place for you. If you love new experiences, this is the place for you. Every day is an adventure here; you don’t know what you will find or who you will meet, but what I can tell you is that you won’t regret it.
Katherine Grainge
Katherine Grainge is currently studying Art History at the University of St Andrews, having been awarded a four-year scholarship by the Bermuda Ministry of Education. The BHS graduate, who previously worked at BUEI as a Camp Assistant and has volunteered at the Bermuda National Trust for several years, hopes to return to Bermuda to work in the heritage sector when she graduates.
Katie assists with research for The Bermuda Biennial: A Retrospective, A Selection from the BNG Collection which opens in the Watlington Room in October.
BNG: What have you been working on during the internship?
CG: Some of my work has involved helping to prepare for BNG’s new exhibitions, The Shadow Land: Cape Dorset Prints from the Bacardi Collection and In Dark Seas: Swimming with Sea Butterflies. This has entailed tasks like setting up potential layouts for the gallery spaces, photographing the artworks, and finalizing the exhibition text. It has also been very exciting to help add the finishing touches in the exhibition installations, such as putting up wall labels and setting out catalogues.
I’ve also been researching content for BNG’s future educational materials, including profiles and information on the artistic styles of prominent Bermudian artists. I’ve helped form prospective ideas for teaching activities that focus on the work of these artists.
Another research project has involved exploring the history of the Bermuda Biennials, starting from the first exhibition in 1994. It has been really interesting to look into the gallery’s archived material to find elusive information on the early biennials. I’ve found that many artists whose work was shown in recent exhibitions have actually been participating from the very beginning, exhibiting their wonderfully innovative art in numerous Biennials.
BNG: What does a typical day at the gallery look like for you?
CG: In the morning, I usually start by re-stocking the supply of catalogues for an exhibition if there aren’t enough, and then carrying out any administrative tasks that need to be done. I’ll then continue working on a research project, which will often involve digitizing physical files on previous BNG exhibitions or artists whose work has been shown at the gallery. Later in the day I’ll help with preparing the gallery space for an exhibition, which might involve measuring the dimensions of the artwork that will be displayed as well as photographing the pieces to document their condition before the exhibition. I might then assist in preparing for the installation of the artwork, which involves measuring out the dimensions of the pieces on the wall and marking the points where the frames will be hung. This is always at least a two-person job, especially if you’re measuring the width of an entire wall.
BNG: What has been the most interesting part of your internship?
CG: Working ‘behind the scenes’ at the gallery has allowed me to observe the process of exhibition planning, which has been extremely interesting. I was previously unfamiliar with the techniques that gallery curators use, but during the internship, I’ve learned about how you can curate an exhibition by developing an evolving pathway of themes, with groups of artworks that centre on different ideas. I now have a good grasp of how curators decide which artworks should be paired or grouped in an exhibition space – for example by making sure the styles or perhaps the media of the art are aligned.
BNG: What has surprised you most about working at BNG?
CG: I was surprised that I gained equal knowledge of – and exposure to – both historical and contemporary Bermudian art. Past and present artists and artistic movements were very closely associated in the projects I was working on. For example, some of my research on the biennials involved looking into the jurors of the 1994 Biennial, one of whom was the late local philanthropist Geoffrey Elliott. He was evidently closely involved with contemporary art, but my research into his work was also directed at early Bermudian portraiture, as he and his wife Fay donated two valuable 18th century portraits to BNG. I find these associations really fascinating.
BNG: Has your internship been helpful? In what ways?
CG: My internship has been immensely helpful and valuable. I’m now confident working in an art institution and I’ve gained numerous skills in various branches of the gallery’s operation, such as research, installation and administration. The internship has also given me the opportunity to observe the different roles of the gallery’s staff members and gain knowledge of approaches to curation, programming and educational engagement. My career plan is to work in an art gallery or museum and I’m sure I would feel very capable working for an institution like BNG in the future.
BNG: What are you going to do next?
CG: In September I’ll be starting the second year of my Art History degree at the University of St Andrews. I hope to relate the knowledge I’ve gained this summer of historical and contemporary Bermudian art to the research I’ll be doing for my course. I also intend to do some volunteer work for a museum in St Andrews, so that I can continue to gain work experience in the extremely fascinating heritage sector.
BNG: Would you recommend the internship to anyone else?
CG: I would definitely recommend the internship to others interested in the arts or cultural sector, because you’re able to undertake a really critical role in the realization of all the gallery’s exhibitions and other projects. Being so involved in gallery operations means you learn in great detail about little-known practices, as well as the essential mindsets and approaches that you should have when working in an art institution.
Gabrielle-Hadassah Reid
Gabrielle-Hadassah Reid assisted Education Officer Rehana Packwood with the day to day running of the BNG Art + Tech Summer Camp Programme. The Bermuda College student, who joined BNG as part of the Ministry of Labour’s Department of Workforce Development summer employment programme, graduated from Somersfield where she was the first Bermudian chosen to attend the At The Well Conference at Princeton University. Gabby will be returning to Bermuda College in September to complete her Associates in Arts and Science and then plans to continue her education overseas.
Gabby at work in the Art + Tech Summer Camp programme which teaches students, age 11 to 14, a variety of digital art making techniques.
BNG: What have you been working on during the internship?
GR: During my internship I have been assisting with the Art + Tech Summer Camp!
BNG: What does a typical day at the gallery look like for you?
GR: Funnily enough, a typical day in the gallery doesn’t take place in the gallery at all! We are usually over at our satellite station in Washington Mall, teaching kids about the foundations of animation, digital art or photo editing. The day is full of exercises and projects for the kids to do, and we assist them with any questions they might have. We also make sure to take some breaks to allow them to have some fun. Some of our learning also takes place outside, when we have them take pictures for projects and to give them some inspiration.
BNG: What has been the most interesting part of your internship?
GR: I think that the most interesting part of my internship would definitely be working hands on with the kids and co-creating art with them! I love to sit down, grab an iPad and follow along and do the projects with them. It’s so much fun and has helped rekindle my love for art, too.
BNG: What has surprised you most about working at BNG?
GR: I think something that really surprised me was how welcoming the staff was and how easy it was for me to get situated. I think this was because they helped answer any questions I had and were just very supportive. I’m also surprised about how small the team is, and that really makes me appreciate the work they do to make sure that Bermuda’s art is seen and appreciated.
Something that also surprised me was the talent that these kids have! It’s amazing to see the works that they can produce when they are given the right tools and encouragement! I really hope that many of them continue to foster their love for art. I would be interested to see where it takes them.
BNG: Has your internship been helpful?
GR: This internship has been helpful in terms of learning how to work with kids and effectively use my communication skills! The internship has also been good at helping me learn how to think on my feet and improve my teamwork skills. I was always in constant communication with my fellow interns and helpers, I learned from them as well and we helped each other out.
BNG: What are you going to do next?
GR: Currently I am going to finish my degree at Bermuda College, which is currently in psychology. After that I will continue my education overseas. I am excited for the journey and where it takes me!
BNG: Would you recommend the internship to anyone else?
GR: I would, because I feel like it’s a great environment filled with welcoming and warm people, who are passionate about their love for art. Even if you aren’t an artist yourself, there is still a place for you, and you’ll have the support you need to hit the ground running.
I would like to thank BNG again for this opportunity to work with them! I had such a wonderful time and I would do it again in a heartbeat.
For further information, and to apply for the BNG Internship Programme, please email Executive Director Peter Lapsley at director@bng.bm
Amongst the shopfronts that line the upper level of the Washington Mall in Hamilton, the BNG Digital Art Zone stands out like a beacon. The pop-up satellite education space, which is generously supported by Washington Properties, is home to the 2021 Art & Tech summer camp programme.
Inside, students aged 11 to 14 have been experimenting with a range of digital art-making techniques under the direction of Education Officer Rehana Packwood. Armed with an iPad and Apple Pencil, they are exploring the endless possibilities that digital art offers – from photobashing to animation and digital painting.
Digital photograph by Jordan Talbot, age 12.
Digital painting by Kaelyn Burrows, age 14.
Digital portrait of Qeir Yparraguire created by Joanna Anderson, age 11.
Digital illustration by William Britten, age 11.
The summer camp programme is currently full, with a waitlist, but these modules and more will be explored in an after-school programme in the fall. For further information please contact Education Officer Rehana Packwood at education@bng.bm
In I Am Because You Are Gherdai Hassell creates a deliberate, living relationship with historic materials, fusing past, present and future in a celebration of resilience.
In so doing, she gives a voice back to those who were silenced, reminding us that “Black people as the descendants of the slave trade exist more as a human accomplishment than the remains of human destruction.”
To accompany the exhibition, we have produced a free activity booklet for children age 10-14, which allows them to learn about Bermuda’s shared history in a way that they have never seen it before.
