Jeff Hartbower | The secret is out…Capt. Jeff

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Jeff Hartbower, “The Secret is Out....Capt. Jeff,” 2024

(courtesy of the Gallery)

Opening Reception: November 23, 7-9pm

Jeff Hartbower is a long time Comox Valley resident and he has been a central figure in the arts community here over the past 25 years. Jeff is most famously known for his folk art wood sculpture and assemblage pieces. He has found inspiration in everything from local politics, cultural anomalies and local artists. He frequently collaborates with other artists creating sculptures in response to their work, both as a form of homage and expansion of their ideas. Jeff has organized many exhibitions over the years, bringing Comox Valley artists together to elaborate on his themes. Some memorable exhibitions have been the “Merkin & Codpiece Show”, "The Jar Show” and “Spinal Tap”.

Jeff has been generous with his artistic output, creating trophies for exhibitions, keepsakes for volunteers, as well as display cases and plinths for CVAG in its early days. He was a regular at the Muir Gallery, and one of the first brave souls to walk through the door at Artful : The Gallery when it opened in the early days of the pandemic.

It is no surprise that the community has embraced the concept of this exhibition, conceived of by Peter Polsen. The recipients of Jeff’s generous spirit have come forward in droves to supply the work for Artful to mount this retrospective of Jeff Hartbower’s art and contributions to the Comox Valley art community. Together, the 80 pieces in this exhibition have created an environment best described by Jeff as, “Walking in to a life-sized cabinet of curiosities”.