Jack Cowin exhibition reeling in lovers of art, the outdoors

JackCowin, who passed away in 2014, was one of Saskatchewan's best-known artistsbut he could also spin a good fish tale from time to time.

Over a career of severaldecades, painting fish, birds andmoose,his creations overflowed withthe respect and love he held for thenatural environment.

Now a Regina art gallery, Slate,is holding alegacy exhibition showcasing his career.The show, Fish Story, runs until June 18.

"As you can tell by looking at his work, he was very much a sportsman. He liked to hunt and fish.Looking for a bear, that was his thing,"saidKimberley Fyfe, the co-owner of the gallery.

Cowin was also an instructor inprint-making at the University of Regina for some 36 years where he gained a reputation for pushing students to live up to their potential.

"They say he was a tough instructor and had high expectations but they see how that has helped them in their careers and the paths of what they've been doing," Fyfe said.

The show has attracted many old students and also some people Cowinused to fish with.

One old fishing buddy told Fyfe that Cowin always claimed he caught the biggest fish when they weren't around.

"That would be a typical fish story," she said.