“Mr. Sutton is the only reason I am at Bermuda Institute.” — Quinton Russell, Grade 9
After more than two decades of inspiring young minds through the power of art, Richard Sutton is bidding farewell to the Bermuda Institute (BI)—a place he has called both a workplace and a second home for the past 12 years. His departure marks the end of an extraordinary era, but his impact is indelible, forever woven into the fabric of Bermuda’s artistic and educational landscape.
Born in St. Lucia and raised throughout the Caribbean as the son of a Seventh-day Adventist pastor, Edson Sutton, and his wife, Beverley, Richard learned early how to adapt, embrace change, and find beauty in every corner of the world. He started drawing at the age of four, sketching during church sermons while absorbing the rhythm of his father’s words. His gift grew with him, eventually blossoming into a life devoted to art and education.
Sutton began his teaching career in New York, but a chance meeting in 2013 with Lois Tucker, then principal of Bermuda Institute, brought him to Bermuda a year later. From that moment, the island’s creative spirit would never be the same.
Upon his arrival, Sutton immersed himself in the local art scene but quickly noticed something missing—art that truly reflected the people of Bermuda. His response was immediate and bold: he created La Pieta (The Pity), a powerful painting addressing the island’s gang violence. It serves as both social commentary and a testament to his commitment to meaningful, inclusive art.
More than just an artist, Sutton became a mentor and visionary for countless students. His passion ignited theirs, guiding young talents from the early grades through high school. Students like Quinton Russell, who entered B.I. in the sixth grade to study under Sutton’s mentorship, have grown into award-winning artists. Quinton’s piece, Time at Shark Hole, earned the 2024 Judges’ Honorable Mention for the prestigious Harvey Cooper Award—proof of what students can achieve when nurtured with purpose.
Other students like 11th-grader Kacia Barnett (with him since sixth grade), 9th-grader Rhys Tucker Bowen (since fourth grade), 10th-grader Frances Ingham, and 9th-grader Austin Smith (since first grade) have all benefited from his vision and dedication. Rhys, for example, won the Butterfield Bermuda Championship’s art contest in 2024, with his artwork featured on aluminum water bottles given to players and patrons—a tangible mark of his emerging talent.
Under Sutton’s guidance, student artwork has been displayed in galleries, recognized in competitions, and even celebrated in the local press. His influence extends beyond academic achievements—it has shaped confidence, identity, and a deep appreciation for the expressive power of art. His artistic imprint isn’t limited to canvas or competition. Sutton’s vibrant murals at the Bermuda Institute and two bus stops near the school are daily reminders of creativity and community, a legacy for future generations.
As he prepares to move on, the Bermuda Institute community reflects with profound gratitude. Richard Sutton did more than teach—he transformed lives, championed young voices, and infused an entire school with the color and courage of authentic expression. The masterpiece, his legacy, he leaves behind is still unfolding—in every student who dared to dream bigger, paint bolder, and speak louder through their art.
Thank you, Mr. Sutton. You didn’t just teach art—you made it live.
Mr. Sutton will indeed be a miss as he left an indelible mark not only on his students at B.I., but to the Bermuda community at large.
His role as a male mentor and disciplinarian on staff played a vital role in developing positive relationships and giving guidance to a population that is most at risk ( our males) and in need of great role models.
Art shows the essence of God as God is the ultimate creator (artist), and it demonstrates how we are made in his image and given creative powers and imagination to create.
Art teaches us, history, literary analysis, spatial relationship, shapes, design, science, mathematics, politics, respect for cultures, activism, invention, vision, ( S. T. E.A. M) and it offers a break from a process driven society to name just a few benefits!
Art is important, and we at Bermuda Institute realize that we had a genius walking amongst us who worked tirelessly with integrity and a sense of purpose. He built our art department, and he and many of his students helped to put our school on the map in a subject area that has become one of the biggest career paths in today’s creative, media driven society.
I pray that his legacy (and the program he built) continue to inspire others.
God, Our Awesome creator, is an artist!
Psalm
19 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
2 Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.
3 There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.
4 Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.