Larimore hands art show proceeds to KOB

Olney artist Barbara Larimore handed proceeds from her art show, “Experiencing Europe,” to Kyle Turner, President of Keep Olney Beautiful. The exhibition at the Olney Heritage Museum netted $1,720 in sales and contributions. Mrs. Larimore put on a well-attended exhibition of 22 canvases and six photographs inspired by her travels to Europe and included 2 of the Texas Hill Country on Dec. 8, promising to benefit KOB. The civic group has been tasked with replacing the 70-year-old municipal swimming pool, which was closed permanently last summer because of structural problems.

“It was a unique venue for an art show, and I think we made it into a very interesting show. We had great attendance and some great sales to benefit KOB,” Mrs. Larimore said as she handed an envelope to Mr. Turner at the Olney Heritage Museum. “The check for $1,600 and $120 in extra donations will help in a very small way toward a new swimming pool.”

The charity show was organized and staffed by Mrs. Larimore and her daughters, Kim Tomlinson and Brenda Millican, as well as Perry Foundation Chairwoman Carla Perry.

“We were very pleased with the day’s events at Mom’s one-woman art show,” Mrs. Tomlinson said. “The venue was perfect. Not only was she able to display her art but it also gave people an opportunity to tour the Museum. We had a steady flow of visitors and were able to raise money for KOB. Mom has been a professional artist for many years traveling all over Europe capturing its beauty. We are very proud of all her accomplishments.”

Mr. Turner expressed gratitude for the funds, saying he hopes the event kick-starts a major community effort to replace the municipal swimming pool.

“We are very appreciative to Barbara for putting this whole event on,” he said. “It was incredible to come through the museum and see all the beautiful paintings and photos of Barbara’s travels. KOB’s mission is to improve the lives of citizens of Olney and those visiting us, and its efforts like this - folks like Barbara who are really helping us take that next step forward as a group.”

Mr. Turner said the art show contributions are a first step toward getting “enough community backing, enough grant funding to make a big stride forward on the community pool.”

“Unfortunately after having to close down last summer in an excessively hot summer we really understand the need to give the citizens something to do safely during the summer,” he said. “It’s overdue so we are hoping to take a big stride this year and get something moving on the city pool.”

Previous estimates of more than $1 million to replace the swimming pool, public restrooms, and concession stand “are high,” he said.

“That estimate is more fitting for municipalities much larger than Olney,” Mr. Turner said. “We have not yet received any formal quotes for pools that fit our size and need but our hope is to keep the pool design simple and enhance the amenities over time.”

KOB also plans to replace the Main Street banners in the coming year, he said.