[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 142 (Tuesday, October 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2043]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    STATEMENT OF RECOGNITION FOR NEW YORK ARTISTS EQUITY ASSOCIATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERROLD NADLER

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 21, 1997

  Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of New York 
Artists Equity Association (NYAEA), now celebrating its 50th 
anniversary.
  Since 1947, Artists Equity Association has been a strong advocate for 
legislation on behalf of visual artists, and has provided services to 
support the development of the visual arts in our communities. NYAEA 
not only fights for the future of the visual arts, but places the New 
York artistic community in the context of history, as a necessary 
component of society, one that enriches our lives.
  New York Artists Equity Association's mission of education, 
awareness, and support for the visual arts has provided the basis for 
its constant efforts. By promoting emerging artists in its wonderful 
Broome Street Gallery, it has successfully integrated those artists 
into the larger community. By preserving endangered visual art work, it 
assures the record of our rich artistic past. Through educational 
outreach, it has developed a new audience which is constantly 
expanding.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend NYAEA, under the leadership of its 
Executive Director, Regina Stewart, for supporting visual artists at a 
time when the resources they receive from the government are simply not 
enough. NYAEA has provided support for many visual artists who 
otherwise would not have received help. Through referrals, legal 
services, and health care programs, the Association helps ensure 
economic stability for visual artists who might otherwise be forced to 
abandon their talents due to economic difficulties. By providing 
communication within the community, it helps establish a strong support 
base for issues relevant to artists' needs.
  I stand here today to thank New York Artists Equity Association for 
all it has done to advocate for visual artists, consistent with the 
needs of their community. I am proud that NYAEA is in my Congressional 
District, and that its work reaches far beyond my District to help 
visual artists in the larger community. I also want to thank one of the 
Association's Past Vice Presidents, Doris Wyman, who serves on my Arts 
Advisory Committee, consistently championing the needs of visual 
artists. Because of my ongoing work with this fine organization and 
their leadership, I know of their constant efforts to change regressive 
policies on the arts and I commend them. For fifty years, NYAEA has 
supported visual artists and been a passionate advocate for their 
causes. In the current climate, NYAEA's non-partisan commitment is 
especially valuable. I salute New York Artists Equity Association for 
helping to assure a stable artistic community--one that is, and always 
must be, an integral part of our heritage and culture.

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