[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 60 (Thursday, April 29, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING FERNANDA BENNETT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 29, 1999

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Fernanda Bennett, 
whose dedication and perseverance has made the fifth district Annual 
Congressional High School Art Competition a resounding success year 
after year. 1999 marks the seventh year that the Nassau County Museum 
of Art generously hosts this noteworthy event, displaying the pieces 
entered into competition from high schools in Nassau, Queens and 
Suffolk counties. As the Assistant Director and Registrar, Ms. Bennett 
directs the smooth installation and public display of these works.
  Her enormous contribution to the art competition is indicative of her 
successful career at the museum. Fernanda Bennett started as an intern 
in 1983, and has since worked her way up through the staff. Over the 
years, she has helped plan, organize, and install over fifty 
exhibitions, ranging from Tiffany lamps to Picasso canvases. As the 
Registrar, Ms. Bennett handles the details on insurance, transport, and 
display of numerous, invaluable pieces of art. She also helps maintain 
records of all borrowed items by collecting photos and documenting 
their exhibition histories.
  As Assistant Director, Ms. Bennett oversees the day to day operation 
at the museum. She ensures that the building is kept clean and that the 
gallery environment is properly maintained. In addition, she inspects 
the artwork to ensure that it is cared for in a manner benefiting its 
valuable status. Because of its location on a 145 acre preserve, The 
Nassau County Museum of Art exhibits a collection of monumental outdoor 
sculptures. Ms. Bennett oversees the preparation of the sites for 
sculpture installation, handles the removal and placement of these 
magnificent pieces, and administers the care needed to display the 
works at their finest.
  Her commitment to the museum and years of service to the community 
have enabled the fifth district art competition to be one of the 
biggest and best in the country. Seven years ago, only fifty students 
participated in this event. Due largely to Ms. Bennett's extraordinary 
dedication, that number has jumped by fifth percent; in the last two 
years, an average of seventy-five students per year have taken part in 
the competition. Therefore, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in 
honoring this remarkable individual, Fernanda Bennett.

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