E. J. Hughes, View of Shawnigan Lake (2004), watercolour on paper [Nanaimo Art Gallery, Downtown Location, Nanaimo BC, May 15-Jun 7]

E. J. Hughes, Three Tugs in Nanaimo Harbour (1952), oil on canvas [Nanaimo Art Gallery, Downtown Location, Nanaimo BC, May 15-Jun 7]

The exhibition E. J. Hughes: The Man and His Work is part of a series of events in honour of Vancouver Island artist Dr. E. J. Hughes (1913-2007). Hughes was a recipient of many honours, including the Order of Canada and numerous honourary doctorates. His engaging depictions of coastal British Columbia characteristically show scenes of ferries, wharves, tugboats and windswept beaches.

The exhibit at the Nanaimo Art Gallery opens in conjunction with the City's dedication of the recently restored mural, Captain Malaspina Sketching the Galleries of Gabriola. Painted by Hughes in 1938, it measures 9 by 17 feet. The mural was removed in six sections in 1996 from the Malaspina Hotel and 13 years later has been professionally restored and installed in the Vancouver Island Conference Centre.

The focus of this exhibit will be on Hughes' studio practice. Approximately 40 drawings and paintings of the geographic area from Nanaimo to the Cowichan Valley.

At the same time as the gallery exhibit, the Nanaimo Museum will present E.J. Hughes, Works in Progress featuring 'cartoons', sketches and developmental work relating to some of the exhibit pieces. An Educational Symposium is also being presented by the Museum in association with Vancouver Island University. Following the unveiling of the mural on May 14, there will be a premiere of a documentary E.J. Hughes: The Restoration by Cinnabar Vista Productions and a preview of Hughes’ NAG downtown exhibit.

www.nanaimogallery.ca

Mia Johnson