Jack Cowin exhibition reeling in lovers of art, the outdoors

Jack Cowin, who passed away in 2014, was one of Saskatchewan's best-known artists — but he could also spin a good fish tale from time to time.

Over a career of several decades, painting fish, birds and moose, his creations overflowed with the respect and love he held for the natural environment.

Now a Regina art gallery, Slate, is holding a legacy 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," said Kimberley Fyfe, the co-owner of the gallery. 

Cowin was also an instructor in print-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 Cowin used 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.