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Note: The following was Lowell's obituary. It would have been published in the Telegraph Journal, Quoddy Tides or the St Croix Courier, in late August, 1960.
ARTIST PASSES:
With the passing of Lowell Brown Jr., on Thursday of last week Grand Manan lost one of it's most promising painters. Interested in this work from his younger days Lowell studied under the late Wesley Griffin, well known artist, and later attended art school in the United States. His work showed great promise. He had shown pictures in the Toronto Art Exhibit and had planned showing at the Beaverbrook exhibition in Fredericton this fall. In poor health for the last few years, his condition did not permit him to paint to the extent he would have liked. A vetran of World War 2 with overseas service he took advantage on his off hours to visit the well known art galleries while in Europe and study the style of famous painters. Employed as assistant Postmaster at the North head Post Office, he was a member of Grand Manan Branch No. 44 Canadian Legion and Oddfellows Lodge. He will be missed not only by the Island people but by scores of tourists who came to know him through his painting and friendly manner.
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Lowell Brown Jr. is one of Grand Manan Island's most influential painters. This is the story of a talented young man getting discovered by a rich tourist who sponsored his studies with some of the best art schools and teachers of the time. From New York City and Boston to Monhegan Island and Holland during World War II, Brown has a unique story and an extraordinary gift for painting.
This retrospective showcases a large cross section of his paintings from landscapes to portraits.
Lowell, known to many here as "Ding", studied with island artist Wesley Griffin, and with renowned portrait painter Margaret Fitzhugh Browne (1884-1972). He also painted with Aldro T. Hibbard (1886-1972) and with Emile Gruppe (1896-1978).
In 1940 noted seascape painter, Jay Connaway (1893-1970), chose him and eleven other artists to study painting for the summer on Monhegan Island, Maine.
European galleries heavily influenced this veteran of World War II. Stationed in Holland, Lowell was inspired by Dutch painters. Some of his watercolours and oils are part of a collection at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa.
Along with painting, Lowell Brown also worked as a fisherman and later as the North Head postmaster due to failing health. Sadly, Lowell Brown Jr. passed of a heart attack at age 42.
This historic show was made possible thanks to the hard work of Art Gallery volunteers, the generosity of many Grand Manan families but especially Eleanor Brown, Lowell's daughter, and Ken Dean.
The Grand Manan Art Gallery is open daily from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sundays from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Admission is $2.00. Donations are always welcomed.
We are located at 21 Cedar Street in Castalia, Grand Manan Island.
Opening Reception for the Lowell Brown Jr. exhibit: Saturday July 30th at 7:00 PM.
Source: http://www.culturepass.net/events/eventDetail.php?id=5657
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