Raymond Lowen, who helped found the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, died on Feb. 19 at the age of 88.
Lowen was instrumental to the founding of the facility and served on the board of directors for a number of years, according to Porter Gilberg, executive director of the LGBTQ Center.
He is also fondly remembered for painting thousands of stones with hearts and inspirational messages that he sold in the community to raise funds for The Center and local efforts to combat HIV/AIDS, according to a statement Gilberg provided.
He received numerous commendations for his service to the LGBTQ community, along with his work with the Long Beach Lambda Democratic Club, including serving as the grand marshal in the Long Beach Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade, receiving a Center Icon Award and being honored with the James Lampkin Memorial Service Award at the 1984 Lambda Human Rights Banquet.
In 2012, Lowen was honored as one of the first inductees into Equality Plaza in Harvey Milk Promenade Park.
In addition to his work with the LGBTQ+ community, Lowen was also a strong supporter of arts education, having founded the Olympic Art Guild, serving as treasurer for the Society of Graphic Designers, and hosting a drawing club on his rooftop patio in Belmont Shore before helping to found The Center, according to Gilberg’s statement.
A Southern California native, Lowen graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in Los Angeles and enlisted in the Army shortly thereafter.
[aesop_image imgwidth=”500px” img=”http://www.signaltribunenewspaper.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/Screen-Shot-2016-03-04-at-11.14.44-AM.png” align=”left” lightbox=”on” caption=”Raymond Lowen, a local artist and graphic designer who helped found the LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, died on Feb. 19 at the age of 88.” captionposition=”left”] He was honorably discharged in 1947 and graduated from the Chouinard Art Insitute in 1954.
He spent his professional career as a designer for a number of major firms, including with his own studio Mintz, Lowen, and Associates.
In the 1960s and 1970s, he also supported himself as a working artist, manufacturing paintings, sculptures and jewelry, as well as hosting a number of art receptions.
He is survived by his nieces Valerie Tate and Jannine Lowen.
A memorial service and celebration of life will take place Sunday, March 6 at noon at The LGBTQ Center of Long Beach, 2017 E. 4th St.
