EAC President hosts Art Awards celebration at House of Lords
Published on Sunday 12th of October 2014
The climax of this year’s EAC Over 60s Art Awards was a celebratory afternoon tea event at the House of Lords on 8th October, hosted by EAC’s President the Countess of Mar.
38 Award winners and highly commended artists were able to join the celebration, many with a partner or companion, and receive their Awards in person. A further four were represented by family members or by staff who care for them.
Welcoming our guests, Lady Mar reflected on the founders of EAC, Angela and Michael Farnell. It was Angela, along with her lifelong friend Dorothy Kershaw and early Trustee Jennifer Finegold who had created the Awards, which were now in their 21st year. In her view the quality of works submitted had never been higher, as evidenced in this year’s brochure.
In his presentation John Galvin, EAC’s Chief Executive, reflected on the success of the ‘Art and Wellbeing’ theme introduced into Art Awards last year. Nearly a quarter of entrants had taken up the invitation to write a few paragraphs about what led them to take up art, and what their art means to them. The many moving stories submitted illustrated vividly how art had helped them overcome, or simply live with, challenges they face in later life.
Prior to the event, most guests had also taken up EAC’s offer of a guided tour of the House of Lords, making it a full but extremely enjoyable afternoon.
Art awards 2013-14 was supported by The John Ellerman Foundation with a grant to help develop its online presence.
Special guests at the event included Gillian and Peter Girling, longtime supporters and sponsors of Art Awards.