Comet Community Awards 2019: Inspirational fundraising artist with ‘massive heart’ nominated
Roz Down has been nominated in the Comet Community Awards Charity Champions category. Picture: Gary Walker - Credit: Archant
A Hitchin artist described as an ‘inspiration’ for her selfless charity work has been nominated in this year’s Comet Community Awards.
The Comet Community Awards is in its 15th year. Picture: Archant - Credit: Archant
Each year these awards recognise people in our community who go above and beyond, with Roz Down nominated in the Charity Champions category for her working supporting artists and charities.
Roz was nominated by Lauren Asad, one of the many artists she supports.
“Roz is one of the kindest people I have met. She is as amazing as her as her art,” said Lauren
“She is a local artist she started out a few years ago by exhibiting at local businesses alone or with a small group of other artists.
Our sponsors for this year's Comet Community Awards. Picture: Archant - Credit: Archant
“Roz began a Facebook group to bring together artists of all levels and skills.
“The Hitchin art Hub began to grow Roz organises monthly art markets for all the artists to take part in and have the opportunity to exhibit and sell their work.
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“From the art markers grew the exhibition space at Hitchin initiative where artist can permanently exhibit work for a small fee.
“Roz’s has a massive heart she’s always thinking of others she has never taken any payment for all the hundreds of hours she spends passionately advertising and organising art events.
“She is always thinking of others she has given over 300 artists opportunities they would never of had with her dedication.
“For me personally being able to exhibit each month when I had a difficult time in my life gave me something to keep me motivated and get me out. Roz has given a group to feel I have a sense of belonging to.
“She’s always organising events to raise money for people using art as a tool to do good for others at the moment she’s helping to raise thousands for Seraph a little boy who has cancer.
“Every month she sends the collected money from the artist she takes for showing their work at the Hitchin initiative to a different charity.
“She will never know just how much she’s been an inspiration to me and so many others. She’s so modest she always puts others before herself. She’s just amazing.”
Speaking about her nomination, Roz said: “When I read what Lauren had written down I actually cried, I was so overwhelmed by it, it was lovely. She is a lovely young girl and I am so grateful to her.
“I do the charity work because I love it. At the moment we are raising money for Serpah, the boy from Hitchin who needs funding for his cancer treatment in US. We are doing a lot towards that. I try and do as much as I can.”
