Michael Lowe is
past president of Carterton
Lions Club and now Zone Chair
for the Lions Clubs of Abingdon, Carterton,
Thame, Wantage and Grove. Lions Clubs exist to
help support the local community with money raised by
various fundraising efforts.
In 2010 Carterton Lions launched Carterton Open Art Exhibition. Michael talked
to the Crier about this artistic baby about to turn six…
Until 2003, Michael Lowe was too busy running a successful optical practice
to paint; but his retirement that year allowed him time to join the Lechlade
Art Society and West Oxon Arts in Bampton. Seven years later saw the first
Carterton Open Art Exhibition. Michael’s brother is also an artist; it was at an
exhibition he held in his village (Longburton, Dorset) that inspired Michael to
do the same back here. “It was my eleventh year as a Lion, and it was also my
Presidential year and I was looking for a project to take on”, Michael told the
Crier. “I thought an art exhibition for the town would put us on the art map and
also allow us to raise money for worthy local causes at the same time.”
As a member of Lechlade Art Society and West Oxon Arts, he knew how much
artistic ability there was within a 10 mile radius of Carterton and with the support
of his fellow Lions, Michael actioned the idea.
Thus the first exhibition took place in 2010 at the Community Centre on Shilton
Park, and boasted 152 entries including the work of Ken Messer, Mark Herring,
Dennis Harrison, Ann Manley and Pat Elmore RBA. It was such a success it would
have been a real shame to call it a day there, and so it has become an annual
event – with the sixth one taking place 18th-21st February 2016. The Lions have
tried holding the event in different months over the years, and have concluded,
based on their figures, that February is the right time to hold it: “It seems to be
the best time because Christmas is over and done with and people are looking
for things to go to and visit.” Michael said. While the months have differed the
Community Centre has remained a constant – “It’s a wonderful hall to hold it in,
terrific lighting, absolutely ideal.” The Lions Chair told us.
The local schools have become involved with the exhibition as it has grown. The
three best paintings from each year of each school are displayed in the small hall
next to the main one. These works are then judged by a panel of professional
artists and prizes are awarded. “Last year there was a young girl called Abigail
C
Art
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Open Art Exhibition 2016
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