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Holladay Journal

James McGee’s exhibit, “Crossing Paths,” celebrates the dignity of the individual

Jul 30, 2019 04:14PM ● By Sona Schmidt Harris

Toshiharu Kano (Tosh) poses beside a portrait of himself at James McGee’s exhibit, “Crossing Paths.”

By Sona Schmidt-Harris | [email protected]

The dignity of the individual was on full display at James McGee’s opening of “Crossing Paths.”

“Crossing Paths,” an exhibit of art and storytelling, is unique in that not only are there portraits of individuals, there are also biographies of the individuals.

The portraits are of people who live and work in Holladay including a firefighter and police officer. The firefighter and police officer, Kemshasa Housley, were at the opening imbuing the exhibit with yet more humanity.

Housley, currently a domestic violence detective for the City of Holladay, has also been a certified nursing assistant and an instructor for EKG techs. She also earned her EMT certification. Within her biography, she said, “I love being a wife, mother and police officer. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the people of my community.”  

One can see why McGee chose to give Housley a halo in her portrait. It somehow doesn’t clash with her police uniform and light blue eyes.

Another affecting portrait is of Toshiharu Kano (Tosh). While Kano was still in utero, his father, mother, 3-year-old sister Yorie, and 15-month-old brother Toshio, survived the atomic bomb attack in Hiroshima. They were just one-half mile from the hypocenter (ground zero). Three months later, Toshio died of radiation poisoning and internal injuries.  

Kano and members of his family published their story in “Passport to Hiroshima.” As a warrior for peace, Kano speaks to educate people on the horrors of nuclear war.  

A graduate of Granite High School, and later the University of Utah, Kano earned a degree in civil engineering.

These portraits and others will show through July 30 in the main foyer of Holladay City Hall.

Holladay City Hall is located at 4580 South 2300 East in Holladay.