Gabriola peace doves about to take flight again

Jonathan Hoskins with one of the third-generation of Peace Doves that he has created as a fundraiser for the Gabriola Museum and Historical Society. Submitted photo

Gabriola Museum and Historical Society

The third generation of Gabriolan peace doves is being created by local artist, Jonathan Hoskins, as a fundraiser for the Gabriola Historical and Museum Society.

“The first wave of doves was created in 1984 as an organized protest to nuclear weapons testing in Canada,” Hoskins said. “That is represented in the peace dove in the Gabriola Museum.”

He added that the second iteration was in protest to the United States’ invasion of Iraq and was part of the worldwide and largest peace protest in history. “Individuals made the doves for themselves to be part of the Gabriolan community as an island that embraces peace and love. Each dove is a statement of solidarity within the community, past and present.” Historically, a dove in flight has symbolized peace and freedom. There is still a need for the symbol of peace, according to Dar Mace, a Gabriolan artist who was an original member of the Gabriola Island Peace Association in the mid-1980s. “The peace dove is a non-violent affirmation that symbolizes spirit and a higher transcendence,” she said. “Back in the 80s, the wooden peace dove was displayed by some local residents.”

One of these original doves is on display at the Gabriola Museum, near the Hippie Exhibit. “A message to Gabriola has always been that of a community of different mindsets,” Mace said. “But there was always the idea of community and getting along with others.”

Last summer, Hoskins developed an interest in the project along with his wife, Lynne. “We love that the peace dove is everywhere and represents the best of the community,” he said. “Each dove is a statement of solidarity within the community, past and present.”

Using outdoor 3/8-inch plywood, Hoskins traced the authentic dove on display in the museum.  “It’s a simple design, made of plywood, rough and white,” he said. “I cut them out of two-foot square blanks on a band saw, five at a time.” He cleans up the edges and then sands them, using an outdoor primer to seal the plywood. He adds a couple of coats of exterior white paint as a final finish. “These white doves are then available as the original, or the owner may modify them further with their own artistic touches, street numbers, whatever.”

Mace has her dove nestled in a plant pot at the end of her driveway. “We still have a need for this symbol,” she said. Hoskins has already been heartened by the overwhelmingly positive response to the project.

“I hope that the impact is a warm embrace of the history and current goodness and love in the community for all things Gabriolan,” he said. “Seeing or placing a dove on your driveway will serve as a reminder that we are all members of this community, looking out for each other in times of great discord.”

The doves are available for sale at the Gabriola Museum for $75, with $40 going toward the Museum and the remaining $35 for costs. Also, they can be ordered by contacting Hoskins directly at hoskinsarts@gmail.com.