Michel Hacala, whose work is featured throughout the site of Expérience Authentique ( plus a dedicated section) , is exhibiting some of his work in Bayonne at the Musée Basque until the end of January 2012. This project was partly inspired by a work trip he took to the shores of the St Lawrence river in the Fall of 2010 . Michel, former fisherman, was interested to document through his artistic sensibility the lives of the Basque fishermen who traveled to the shores of the ST Lawrence to catch whales in the 14 and 15th centuries. He is particularly interested in documenting the peaceful interactions of the Basque with the First Nations well before the arrival of Columbus, Cabot and Cartier on North American shores. I had the pleasure to see his exhibit during my last visit in the Basque country at Christmas time. Large colourful paintings and sculptures made of diverse materials were present as well an extensive series of ink drawings arranged throughout three floors of a round staircase with natural light coming through. Of course I am biased : his work has touched me for a while plus it covers a connection between the land I am from and the land where I live today. Feelings aside, clearly this exhibit is a worthwhile stop that captures an important page of ancient Basque history through the eyes of a reputable artist.