Young Amherstburg artist’s drawing on cover of MP’s new calendar

Charlotte Smith displays her artwork while Essex MP Chris Lewis holds her certificate of accomplishment.

Essex MP Chris Lewis welcomes all artists to his constituency office

A feel-good morning in Essex last Saturday as a dozen young artists were recognized by Essex MP Chris Lewis.

Among those was Malden Central Public School Grade 4 student Charlotte Smith whose colourful drawing of the clock tower in Amherstburg is on the cover of Lewis’ 2026 calendar.

Charlotte has been drawing since she was very young and was inspired by the Amherstburg waterfront and along with her family, likes to go down for the bag pipe parades during Open Air weekends.

“I just really like going down there,” she said.

Smith said that her teacher had received a letter from Lewis’ office letting her know her picture would be on the cover.

“When I went home and told my parents, they were very surprised,” she said.

According to Lewis, there were over 200 entries into the Calendar Art contest, and selecting the ones that will be seen all year long was challenging.

“We started this last year and had 12 submissions. This year we had over 200. Your parents and teachers should be very proud,” said Lewis.

Essex MP Chris Lewis and the young calendar artists gather for a group photo last Saturday morning at Lewis’ constituency office in Essex.

Lewis said that the three judges spent several hours poring over the artwork of the elementary school students. 

“Thanks to the judges. You wouldn’t want me to do it because I don’t know what good art is,” admitted Lewis.

The idea of having students draw for the calendar began last year as a way to engage young adults and recognized their numerous talents and abilities.

Lewis also said a lot of people, regardless of age, do not fully understand the different responsibilities of the three levels of government – municipal, provincial and federal.

“This opens the door and exposes them to politics.”

There were a lot of photos and smiles last Saturday as the students not only received certificates from the Member of Parliament but had their framed work displayed on the Wall of Honour at the Essex office.

In speaking to the students, Lewis said the reason he got into politics is that he wants to leave the world a better place than when he found it.

And as far as the calendar goes, he says it’s a big hit all year long, noting, “it may seem insignificant but when I travel around the county, people tell me the calendar is awesome.”

Young Amherstburg artist’s drawing on cover of MP’s new calendar

By Fred Groves