Greenwood Art Association

The Greenwood Art Association (GAA) was initiated in 2001 by three former Maritime aircrew members: Colonel (Ret’d) Morris D. Gates, OMM, CD; Lieutenant-Colonel (Ret’d) Gordon G. Hynes, CD; and Colonel (Ret’d) R. Douglas Beaman, CD to commission and place artwork into the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum that would help preserve the heritage of Maritime Air Aviation and, particularly, the stories of airmen who contributed in some noteworthy way.  Beyond individual portraits, the artwork was to include paintings of significant events in Maritime air operations from the earliest days of Maritime Aviation until the present time.  The artwork was to be funded from monies donated by former Maritime airmen, hopefully sufficient to contribute two paintings per year.  As part of the agreement, all artwork is available on loan to the Comox Air Museum.

From its inception in 2001 until 2012, the Art Association exceeded its expectations of two paintings per year, placing 50 paintings in the museum over its 10-year span.  In 2012, the final presentations were made by Colonel Gates and Beaman, and the management of the Association was relinquished to younger hands Colonel (Ret’d) Brian G. Handley, OMM, CD; with the intent that the artwork should begin to reflect more recent individuals and events.  Seven more paintings have been donated since then, with an eighth scheduled for unveiling March 27, 2018.

To lend the Association added credibility, two patrons were appointed – both were former Maritime airmen who had achieved very senior rank – Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Harold A. Carswell, CMM, CD; and Lieutenant-General (Ret’d) Patrick O’Donnell, CMM, CD.