[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 165 (Friday, November 19, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2498-E2499]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN SPECIAL RECOGNITION OF BEN RICHMOND ON HIS SELECTION AS FEATURED 
         ARTIST FOR THE STATE OF OHIO BICENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

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                          HON. PAUL E. GILLMOR

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 18, 1999

  Mr. GILLMOR. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to pay special tribute

[[Page E2499]]

to an outstanding individual from the Fifth Congressional District of 
Ohio. We are fortunate that Ben Richmond makes his home in our area and 
is able to share his artistic talents with us.
  Ben Richmond is without question one of Ohio's premier artists. 
Concentrating on the rich heritage and natural surroundings of the 
Great Lakes, Ben Richmond seeks to combine feeling, personality, and 
clear relationships in each of his paintings. While his paintings and 
artistic creations are produced in wondrous fashion today, in his 
youth, art class was not at the top of Ben's priority list. However, 
with some guidance from his parents and one of his college professors, 
Ben embarked upon a remarkable career as an artist.
  Mr. Speaker, after honing his skills as an artist, Ben graduated from 
college and went to work in the business world. But, business simply 
did not capture Ben's imagination and talents the way painting did. So, 
one weekend, while traveling through Marblehead with his wife, Wendy, 
they noticed the picturesque beauty of the Lake Erie region. In 1981, 
the Richmonds purchased a building in the village of Marblehead and 
turned it into an art gallery. Thus began the artistry of Ben Richmond.
  Ben Richmond's myriad collection of works of art seems to have no 
end. From his signature painting of the Marblehead Lighthouse to the 
other limited edition paintings, posters, sculptures, and collectibles, 
the Richmond Galleries has become known as The Collectors Choice for 
custom artwork and framing. For his accomplishments, Ben Richmond's 
work has been featured at the Grand Central Art Galleries in New York, 
Great Lakes Regional Art Exhibition, the Salmagundi Club in New York, 
and many others. As well, Ben has received numerous awards and 
recognitions from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, National Watercolor 
Society, U.S. Lighthouse Society, Ohio Division of Travel and Tourism, 
and the Decor Magazine Award of Excellence.
  Ben Richmond has also been called upon to showcase his work in the 
interest of public service. By request of the Governor of the state of 
Ohio, Ben designed the Ohio lighthouse license plate. Through the sale 
of the license plate, more than five million dollars has been generated 
to help clean and maintain the Lake Erie coastline. Not only are Ben 
Richmond and his wife, Wendy, outstanding entrepreneurs, they are 
always more than willing to assist their community. Over the years, the 
Richmonds have graciously and unselfishly given to others. Through 
grants, scholarships, and other donations, many hospitals, schools, and 
senior centers have benefited from their generosity. Although they seek 
no recognition, we applaud their unwavering dedication to their 
community.
  Mr. Speaker, Ben Richmond has inspired many with his work and has 
been named the Featured Artist for the state of Ohio Bicentennial 
Celebration in 2003. Ben Richmond will commemorate this historic event 
with a limited edition print, minted coin, and sculpture of the Ohio 
Capitol building. I can think of no better way to recognize the 
hallmark event of Ohio's 200th Anniversary than with the works of Ben 
Richmond. I would urge my colleagues to stand and join me in paying 
very special tribute to Ben Richmond for his outstanding contributions 
to the world of art.

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