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Deep roots at Garry Oak show at Berwick

Whether it’s an act of reclamation, recycling or pure artistry, Jeff Harbower enjoys tackling projects that catch people’s attention.
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Artist Dale Rouleau.

Whether it’s an act of reclamation, recycling or pure artistry, Jeff Harbower enjoys tackling projects that catch people’s attention.

His latest project is one that has deep roots in Comox, and is close to the heart for the woodworker who has created group shows with various artists for the past 10 years.

“I got the idea (from Victoria) where this huge Maple tree came down and they turned it into art. It gave me an idea to do something similar here.”

In early 2016, Comox council approved an extension to The Berwick on Comox Avenue which required one of three Garry oak trees located on the property at 1666 Comox Ave. to be cut down.

Protests by local environmentalists to save the tree, which falls under “species at risk” category, were unsuccessful.

The tree was cut down last year, and a call went out to artists in the Valley from Harbower to give second life to the tree.

A lot of the wood was salvaged, and he cut away slabs, chunks and rounds. In total, he collected 75 pieces of wood, and he ground and sanded it himself.

“It was green and wet and it would start cracking,” he explained and added that over time, the oak will determine its shape - some of it may check, spilt or shrink, or remain solid and smooth.

“I had to angle grind it to get the chainsaw marks out. I sanded it with a belt sander, and then put on four coats of polyurethane for it to hold the moisture in, so that it doesn’t dry too much.”

He brought together 50 artists, and allowed them to choose the size and piece of wood they would like to use to create their art.

“Some of the painters took a slab, others used just a small piece. Some of them incorporated the paint with the grain of the wood.”

Harbower explained while he has worked for years in a shipyard, this is his first time working with Garry oak.

“It planes beautifully; it finishes smooth and it’s a dense, hard wood.”

A large, three-foot round from the base of the oak is on permanent display at the Comox Museum, and will feature a timeline relating to the tree’s history.

Some of the pieces, which will be on display as part of The Berwick Oak Exhibition, features stained glass, pyrography, paintings, bowls by master turners and sculptures.

The exhibition will run from May 26 and 27 from 1 to 4 p.m., and June 2 and 3 from 1-4 p.m. at 1700 Comox Ave. There is no admission fee.

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Artist Jeff Hartbower
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Artist Sue Piper
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Chris Morrison (left) and Elizabeth Naish take one last look at a Garry Oak tree at 1666 Comox Avenue Thursday morning. Moments later the tree was removed to make way for the expansion to the Berwick Comox Valley. PHOTO BY ERIN HALUSCHAK


Erin Haluschak

About the Author: Erin Haluschak

Erin Haluschak is a journalist with the Comox Valley Record since 2008. She is also the editor of Trio Magazine...
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