Elaine Harrison was one of P.E.I.’s most prolific artists.
And a visit to Eptek Centre’s gallery proves it.
“It’s full immersion Elaine,” says Paula Kenny, co-curator of the retrospective exhibition, as she opens the gallery doors.
On one wall are seascapes — fishing wharfs and beach scenes. On another are Island trees, painted through the various seasons. On a third are animals and still lives. On the fourth are flowers and children playing in winter.
There are also a few self-portraits sprinkled throughout the collection.
The work was drawn from private and public collections in such numbers that the curators were compelled to hang it in the traditional Victorian method of covering the walls, with paintings hung above each other.
This gives the viewer the feeling of walking into the centre of a colourful diamond that sparkles and flashes from its many facets.
It wasn’t something that Kenny had planned. It was serendipity.
“Every person I asked for a piece or two from their collection was so generous that they gave me extra ones, so I ended up with a few more than I anticipated,” says Kenny, with a laugh.
Take Cats in the Kitchen, for example. In the whimsical painting, a cat sits on the table next to a bowl of fruit, while others perch on a chair, the windowsill and a nearby lamp.
“Elaine really loved cats. They were important to her. Because of that we have several of groupings of interiors with cats in the show,” says Kenny.
Seeing Harrison’s work displayed in an attractive way inspires Georges Arsenault.
“There is so much energy that radiates from all the paintings. As I walked into the gallery I can feel Elaine’s wonderful and powerful energy,” says Arsenault, co-curator and friend of the artist.
Public reaction to the exhibition has also been positive.
“It’s a sweet show, full of colour, texture and action,” says artist Marlene Campbell of Summerside.
“There’s a wonderful cross section of her work, blending old and new. And, walking through, you could feel her wonderful spirit.”
But what caught her eye first was the low light paintings of trees in the snow.
“They’re just beautiful and show Elaine’s love for the environment.”
Arsenault calls the show a “great tribute to a great artist who dearly loved the Island.”
Born in Nova Scotia, Harrison moved to P.E.I. to teach in 1938. She spent her summers at Windswept, a 200 year-old frame house on the red cliffs near Seacow Head with her companion. And for over 50 years she contributed to art and literature on P.E.I.
The exhibition coincides with what would be her 100th birthday.
“I’m sure Elaine would be very happy to have been honoured with this retrospective. Painting was her hobby and certainly her passion,” says Arsenault.
Got to go
What: Elaine Harrison: retrospective exhibition.
When and where: Eptek Centre, Summerside
Event: A night of readings and stories about Elaine Harrison will take place on the final day of the exhibition, May 8, at 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Just the facts
Born in 1915, Elaine Harrison was a teacher, poet, visual artist and an environmentalist.
In 1968, retirement gave her the freedom to pursue her artistic passions.
Her paintings number in the hundreds and hang in homes across North America.
A self-taught painter, she was influenced by many artists including Vincent van Gogh and the Group of Seven.
She died at home on Prince Edward Island in 2003.
She became subject of a book by Acorn Press in 2012. Elaine Harrison: I am an Island that Dreams is a book written by Jane Ledwell, Kevin Rice and Douglas Sobey.
Sources: Georges Arsenault, Terrilee Bulger
Elaine Harrison was one of P.E.I.’s most prolific artists.
And a visit to Eptek Centre’s gallery proves it.
“It’s full immersion Elaine,” says Paula Kenny, co-curator of the retrospective exhibition, as she opens the gallery doors.
On one wall are seascapes — fishing wharfs and beach scenes. On another are Island trees, painted through the various seasons. On a third are animals and still lives. On the fourth are flowers and children playing in winter.
There are also a few self-portraits sprinkled throughout the collection.
The work was drawn from private and public collections in such numbers that the curators were compelled to hang it in the traditional Victorian method of covering the walls, with paintings hung above each other.
This gives the viewer the feeling of walking into the centre of a colourful diamond that sparkles and flashes from its many facets.
It wasn’t something that Kenny had planned. It was serendipity.
“Every person I asked for a piece or two from their collection was so generous that they gave me extra ones, so I ended up with a few more than I anticipated,” says Kenny, with a laugh.
Take Cats in the Kitchen, for example. In the whimsical painting, a cat sits on the table next to a bowl of fruit, while others perch on a chair, the windowsill and a nearby lamp.
“Elaine really loved cats. They were important to her. Because of that we have several of groupings of interiors with cats in the show,” says Kenny.
Seeing Harrison’s work displayed in an attractive way inspires Georges Arsenault.
“There is so much energy that radiates from all the paintings. As I walked into the gallery I can feel Elaine’s wonderful and powerful energy,” says Arsenault, co-curator and friend of the artist.
Public reaction to the exhibition has also been positive.
“It’s a sweet show, full of colour, texture and action,” says artist Marlene Campbell of Summerside.
“There’s a wonderful cross section of her work, blending old and new. And, walking through, you could feel her wonderful spirit.”
But what caught her eye first was the low light paintings of trees in the snow.
“They’re just beautiful and show Elaine’s love for the environment.”
Arsenault calls the show a “great tribute to a great artist who dearly loved the Island.”
Born in Nova Scotia, Harrison moved to P.E.I. to teach in 1938. She spent her summers at Windswept, a 200 year-old frame house on the red cliffs near Seacow Head with her companion. And for over 50 years she contributed to art and literature on P.E.I.
The exhibition coincides with what would be her 100th birthday.
“I’m sure Elaine would be very happy to have been honoured with this retrospective. Painting was her hobby and certainly her passion,” says Arsenault.
Got to go
What: Elaine Harrison: retrospective exhibition.
When and where: Eptek Centre, Summerside
Event: A night of readings and stories about Elaine Harrison will take place on the final day of the exhibition, May 8, at 7 p.m.
Everyone is welcome to attend.
Just the facts
Born in 1915, Elaine Harrison was a teacher, poet, visual artist and an environmentalist.
In 1968, retirement gave her the freedom to pursue her artistic passions.
Her paintings number in the hundreds and hang in homes across North America.
A self-taught painter, she was influenced by many artists including Vincent van Gogh and the Group of Seven.
She died at home on Prince Edward Island in 2003.
She became subject of a book by Acorn Press in 2012. Elaine Harrison: I am an Island that Dreams is a book written by Jane Ledwell, Kevin Rice and Douglas Sobey.
Sources: Georges Arsenault, Terrilee Bulger
