Self-taught Nova Scotia artist John Neville will have his fifth exhibition at the Carol Craven Gallery, now in West Tisbury.

Mr. Neville’s paintings are intimately connected with his hometown of Hall’s Harbour, a small fishing community located on the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia. His family has lived in the area since the early 1800s and his family has grown prominent in the community. The artist’s grandfather was a boat builder, the postmaster and ran the general store. His father was a fisherman, a carpenter and master storyteller, which he passed on to John. His paintings give life to the local stories and legends of his community. His work depicts a vanishing way of life as the fishing industry is in decline.

Mr. Neville’s work has a humble yet rugged power that is well-suited to capturing the daily and seasonal activities in Hall’s Harbour, such as the setting of lobster traps or painting buoys. He also is adept at depicting sailors caught in tumultuous seas. His style works towards simplification, and many are filled with a humorous point of view (Blackberry School, for instance, shows the fish on deck enjoying drinks while the fishermen are underwater using their Blackberries!)

The gallery, located on State Road in North Tisbury, is open Monday to Saturday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and always by appointment.