The Ministry of Education, through partnership with the Department of Education and the Bermuda Society of Arts (BSoA), has officially concluded its 61st Annual Schools Art Exhibition and Spring into the Arts showcase series. Driven by this year’s theme, "One World, Many Stories," the initiative successfully raised more than $6,000 to directly support arts education across 24 participating public and private schools.

The months-long festival culminated in an awards ceremony celebrating 12 talented young artists selected by the public for the coveted People’s Choice Awards. In her opening remarks at the ceremony, Commissioner of Education Mrs. Kalmar Richards highlighted the exhibition’s profound reach. "For sixty-one years, Bermuda’s Schools’ Art Exhibition has been a place where imagination takes centre stage," Mrs. Richards shared. Under the banner of this year's theme, she noted that the students have shown just how powerful their individual expressions can be "through colour, shape, texture, story, and emotion."

"This morning, we have come for one reason - to celebrate the People’s Choice recipients and runners-up from Year 2 all the way to Year 12. That is an extraordinary span of talent - from our youngest emerging creators to our senior students preparing to step into the world," Mrs. Richards added. 

"What makes the People’s Choice so special is that it comes directly from the community. These awards are not selected by a panel of experts. They are chosen by the people, by parents, teachers, neighbours, visitors, and supporters who walked through the exhibition and said, ‘This piece speaks to me.’ Being chosen by the people means your work is connected. It made someone pause. It made someone feel. It made someone think."

The financial milestone achieved by the festival means that each participating school will receive funds to directly enrich their arts programming and classroom resources. Through a signature partnership with community sponsor Mailboxes, the grand prize winners in each of the four categories secured an additional $250 cheque made out directly to their respective school's art department. 

Bricen Hakeman, Mailboxes CEO said: “Mailboxes believes that investing in our younger generation is one of the most meaningful ways to strengthen our community. We continue to be inspired by the creativity, talent, and dedication displayed by these remarkable students, and we are proud to support the Ministry’s Annual Schools Art Exhibition. Encouraging young talent and celebrating artistic achievement is an investment in Bermuda’s future, and one we are honored to make.”

Individual awardees received certificates from Commissioner Richards and Arts Education Officer Dr. Shannon Rose, art supply gift bags from the Department of Education, a $50 Phoenix Stores gift card courtesy of the Department of Culture, and a complimentary one-year membership to the Bermuda Society of Arts.

The 2026 People’s Choice Recipients:

• Lower Primary (P1–P3): Winner: Karsten Cloud Necesito (Victor Scott Primary); Runners-up: Ada Bradshaw (Purvis Primary), John Drummond (Harrington Sound Academy).

• Upper Primary (P4–P6): Winner: Shivya Konaru (Somerset Primary); Runners-up: Leonardo Stoppa (Mount Saint Agnes), Kaylee Kelly (Bermuda Institute).

• Middle School (M1–M3): Winner: Amouri Hollis (Dellwood Middle School); Runners-up: Brooklyn Hunt (Sandys Secondary Middle), Izaeah Hayward (Dellwood Middle School).

• Senior School (S1–S4): Winner: Cayzie Ford (Warwick Academy); Runners-up: Tatiana Sousa (Warwick Academy), Callie Lucas (Saltus Grammar School).

Culinary and Community Partnerships 

In collaboration with the Department of Culture, VIP patrons across the showcase series were treated to authentic Bermudian refreshments prepared entirely by local Culinary Arts and Family Studies students. Featured programs included those led by Ms. Wynter at The Berkeley Institute, Ms. Tamika Campbell at Dellwood Middle School, Ms. Ashley Tucker at Sandys Secondary Middle School, and Ms. Keita Swan at Whitney Institute Middle School, with beverage coordination supported by the African Diaspora Heritage Trail Foundation, Chef E, and Education Officer Nekesha Holdipp.

Honoring Icons and Nurturing Legacy 

The showcase series also served as a platform for profound community milestones. The Department of Education presented several Commissioner of Education’s Certificates of Recognition, including moving posthumous tributes in loving memory of cultural icon Zaniko Hendrickson (accepted by the Hendrickson family) and legendary music educator Sergeant Major James Van Lowe (accepted by his sister, Rev. Ruth Van Lowe, alongside a collaborative performance by the Somersfield Academy Concert Band and the Royal Bermuda Regiment). 

Local recording artist Ponaflex was also honoured for his immeasurable global and local contributions to music following a live performance with Purvis Primary School.

The success of the landmark 61st year was anchored heavily by district educators and leadership. Commissioner Richards expressed her gratitude to the workforce driving the initiative: "Teachers - thank you for nurturing this creativity day after day and for creating the environments where students feel safe to explore, experiment, and express themselves... School principals - thank you for championing the arts in your buildings, for making space in busy schedules, and for ensuring that creativity remains a core part of our students' educational experience."

Mrs. Richards also lauded the instrumental leadership of Dr. Shannon Rose, Education Officer for the Arts, noting her tireless, passionate coordination in ensuring every student's voice could shine.

The Minister of Education, the Hon. Crystal Caesar, JP, officially opened the arts series back on 20th  March 2026, stating: "It is truly inspiring to witness the remarkable creativity and vision of our students, who have wholeheartedly embraced this year's theme, using their artwork to share unique perspectives and connect our community through the universal language of creativity."

Minister Caesar was also pleased to learn of the recipients of the People's Choice Awards and congratulated each of the award winners on their achievement. She encouraged all young people to continue embracing the arts as a powerful means of self-expression, creativity, and storytelling, noting that artistic expression not only nurtures individual talent but also strengthens communities by fostering understanding, innovation, and cultural appreciation.

Full video coverage of each showcase remains available to the public on Channel 82’s YouTube page, courtesy of Crimson Multimedia.