Gallery named in honour of community arts champion
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The Simcoe Lions have donated $5,000 to the Starr Gallery at Lynnwood Arts, dedicated to a champion of the arts community.
Kim Shippey, executive director of Lynnwood Arts, said Starr Demeyere had a vision for a community filled with the appreciation and celebration of art.
With this in mind, Lynnwood Arts has established an endowment with the Norfolk Community Foundation called the Starr Gallery at Lynnwood Arts. Funds from the endowment will help support activities within the Starr Gallery.
“Not every community has a champion who is steadfast in their support and dedication to the arts,” said Shippey. “Norfolk County did and it was Starr Demeyere. She was a committed board member, volunteer and supporter of Lynnwood Arts.”
Demeyere, along with her husband, Doug, died tragically in a house fire in 2015.
“Our family is excited that the Lynnwood Arts Centre board of directors has decided to recognize my mom (Starr) with this great honour,” said Derek Demeyere. “She was a great supporter of all committee programs, including the arts, sports, education and our local hospital.
“She believed that it was important to give back to the community that she loved and made sure if there was something to be done she was involved.”
Dave Abbey, president of the Simcoe Lions, said people are familiar with the service club’s “support of community and sport endeavours but we are really happy to support Lynnwood and the arts in our area, as well.”
“Lynnwood Arts is incredibly grateful for the terrific support of the Simcoe Lions to help establish the Starr Gallery,” said Shippey. “Just like Starr Demeyere, the Simcoe Lions are incredibly community-minded and we are so thankful for this wonderful partnership.”
Donations to the Starr Gallery can be made at www.lynnwoodarts.ca
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