Dame Jennifer: ‘The Arts Are Essential’
The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art isn’t just a showcase for culturally significant work reflecting the island’s past — the Botanical Gardens facility will help to ensure the spirit of creativity continues to thrive here both now and in the future, Education Minister Dame Jennifer Smith said yesterday [Feb. 14].
Dame Jennifer was speaking as she officially opened the new Masterworks cafe Homer’s — named after the celebrated American painter Winslow Homer whose late 19th- and early 20th century Bermuda watercolours are among his most acclaimed works. Masterworks owns three Homer originals — including ”Inland Waterway”, a 1901 view of Granaway Deep from Harbour Road with Marshall’s and Darrell’s Islands in the background. ”Inland Waterway” is generally considered to be one of the painter’s masterpieces.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2012, Masterworks was founded by Bermudian art connoisseur Tom Butterfield to build a major collection not only of Bermuda art from the past but also one representing today’s creators — as well as to provide educational programmes aimed at fostering an interest in the arts among the island’s school children.
In March 2008, Masterworks opened the doors to Bermuda’s first ever purpose built museum in the Botanical Gardens featuring a world class museum with art storage facilities, a classroom, a main gallery, a smaller gallery dedicated to local artists and a members lounge. Homer’s, the new cafe, was opened in December.
At yesterday’s ceremony Dame Jennifer, a longtime painter herself, endorsed Masterworks’ mission statement and said the role of the arts in the Bermuda community had to be developed and encouraged.
“It has been said that through the arts, we as individuals discover the meaning of life itself,” she said. “The arts capture our essence, our purpose and our world, through experiences that communicate and transcend all cultures, all languages.
“To those here today, and to those in the wider community, I encourage you to continue to support our local art organisations and their programmes. Because only through the assistance of the entire community can we ensure that our home grown artists continue to thrive.”
The full text of Dame Jennifer’s remarks appears below:
Good Afternoon,
Ladies and gentlemen it is indeed a pleasure to be here today to celebrate the opening of Homer’s Café and to give special thanks to Dick and Frances Frazier for making this all possible.
This latest to addition to the Masterworks Gallery is a fine achievement – meant to encourage us, when we visit, to spend even more time in these lovely surroundings.
I have always maintained that the arts are an essential part of our culture. And as I look around, I see evidence of the hard work and fruit of a team of dedicated craftsmen, designers, architects, artists and volunteers.
This space has been designed to be a meeting place which stimulates all of the senses. It is a place of where people can engage in all forms of discussion while enjoying a wonderful array of culinary delights.
Named after the famed Winslow Homer, and under the backdrop of three of his water colours, it is my sincere hope that this facility will be embraced by all who have the pleasure of experiencing it.
It has been said that through the arts, we as individuals discover the meaning of life itself.
The arts capture our essence, our purpose and our world, through experiences that communicate and transcend all cultures, all languages.
To those here today, and to those in the wider community, I encourage you to continue to support our local art organisations and their programmes. Because only through the assistance of the entire community can we ensure that our home grown artists continue to thrive.
Finally, let me offer special congratulations to Tom Butterfield for his single-minded enthusiasm and devotion to the visual arts.
His tireless work for many, many years – alone and with those he encouraged to join him – have ensured that the Masterworks Museum and Gallery has grown into a first class entity.
Once again, thank you for inviting me. I very much look forward to enjoying this wonderful new café.
Thank you.
