Art exhibition to highlight end of an era at town and gown event

THE annual Lennox Head Lions Town and Gown Art Exhibition will showcase the work of emerging artists from across the region while raising thousands for local schoolchildren.

The three-day exhibition will be held from Friday 18 September, with paintings, photography and pottery among the artworks on display.

The long-running fundraiser, which has been held since 2012, takes on added significance this year as it will be the last exhibition at its current location before the school relocates to a larger site at the corner of Montwood and Snapper Drive

Event organiser Derek Audus said artists could submit up to five works each, with the event capped at 240 entries.

“The school does such a great job in helping us set up and run the event,” he said

“We also rely on the students and the art teachers to bring that extra knowledge.

“It will be in another hall next year at the new school, so this will be a good opportunity for people who have enjoyed coming to the event over many years.”

The exhibition attracted the maximum entries last year and raised about $6,000 for the school.

Audus said they rely heavily on major sponsors McGrath Real Estate, the Lennox Head Chamber of Commerce and Club Lennox to keep the event running.

Opening night is an adults-only event with $10 admission.

The exhibition will then be open across the weekend from 9am to 4pm, with entry by gold coin donation.

The Lennox Head Lions Club is also preparing for another major fundraiser, the John Mitchell Memorial Golf Tournament at Byron Bay Golf Club on Sunday 16 August.

The event is looking for additional sponsors to help reach its $20,000 fundraising goal for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service

It also raises vital funds for the Fletcher Street Cottage which supports homeless and vulnerable women in the region.

Team entries can be made directly at the golf club pro shop while the Lions club can be contacted at [email protected]