Seventy-year-old Powell briefly taught special education and split classes at J. M. Denyes elementary school and W. I. Dick middle school in the early ’60s, and has returned to showcase his artwork at the Dorland- Haight Gallery on Main Street.

“They (the students) were wonderful, wonderful kids,” says Powell, who fondly remembers that one of his classrooms overlooked a trotting track, and that snippets of scenery around town — such as farmhouses, creeks coursing under bridges and swamps — inspired him to paint.

Art played a role in all of his classes. A longhaired and bearded Powell — who once considered becoming a minister — would sketch and draw on the board instead of just lecture. He embraced being different. He’d ride to school on a motorcycle — even through winter storms.

“Sometimes I’d come to school (in the winter) with icicles on my beard,” he laughs. “I was unforgettably weird in the ’60s.”

He’s hoping it made enough of a lasting impression. After a few decades spent promoting fellow artists, opening coffeehouses, art galleries and organizing festivals like the Festival of Friends, he’s back in town in what feels like something of a reunion. His artwork will be on sale at the Dorland- Haight Gallery until November 22 — the grand opening was last night — and his hope is that some of his former students will be among the patrons.

The show features a group of six Hamilton artists (Powell included), known as The Tiger Group.

The Tiger Group became an entity in 1974 to drive the artistic careers of its members.

“There wasn’t a lot of acceptance of art in the city of Hamilton (at the time),” says Powell.

It took some teamwork to compete with artists coming from much larger metropolises.

“We banded together and did some incredible work,” says Powell.

Powell and Rick Cook are its two remaining inaugural members. Cook is lauded as a master at contemporary figurative work. Powell, meanwhile, takes a colourful impressionistic approach to landscapes, still lifes and musicians in watercolors, oils and drawings.

The group now also includes Robin Laffier, Sandor Monos, Eric Ranveau and John Stirling, who bring a diverse range of art — including sculptures — to its shows.

“We all like wine (and) we all like paintings,” jokes Powell about the bond the members share.

The six current members met through art shows and continuously provide support and encouragement to each other.

They have all become successful in their craft. Powell, for one, has won numerous awards, including Queen Elizabeth II’s Gold Jubilee Medal for work in the arts community in 2002, and a Lifetime Achievement Award in 1998 as part of the Greater Hamilton Tourism Awards of Excellence.

Each member of The Tiger Group will have about 10 pieces for sale during the show.

Dorland-Haight is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a. m. to 6 p. m., Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a. m. to 8 p. m. and Saturdays from 10 a. m. to 5 p. m.