[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 43 (Wednesday, March 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E475-E476]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       WEEMS GALLERY AND FRAMING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 28, 2001

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring to your attention a woman 
in my home town of Albuquerque, New Mexico who has contributed much to 
our community. On March 20, 2001 Mary Ann Weems along with friends and 
family celebrated the 20th anniversary of Weems Galleries and Framing.
  Inspired by her vision of a gallery that would warmly welcome anyone 
who found joy in art as an expression of life, Mary Ann began this 
journey toward excellence in the visual arts twenty years ago. Her 
first gallery was in a little-noticed shopping center, opened with 
borrowed money and lack of business experience. She won the confidence 
and trust of New Mexico artists and aficionados who joined in 
supporting her vision of making more art accessible to more people.
  That vision led 10 years ago to the first Weems Artfest, now the 
nationally ranked annual event which attracts thousands of families and 
children to see and experience New Mexico art. The Artfest also 
provides an affordable venue for all kinds of artists to gain exposure 
for their talents. The Artfest benefits the whole community of artists 
by increasing awareness of their work, and by expanding the community 
of admirers who will pay a fair price for art that touches their 
spirit. Additionally, the Artfest hosts a charity event to raise funds 
for healthcare needs in our community, particularly for children.
  By making art more accessible for children, Mary Ann gives every 
child who participates the chance to discover something wonderful in 
themselves. For children who face challenges, it's a discovery gives 
them powerful hope for their future. Mary Ann serves as my Chairperson 
for the Congressional Art Competition.
  Mary Ann Weems earned her success in the visual arts the hard way, by 
trial and error and sheer grit. She achieved excellence in the visual 
arts by setting new standards for what a gallery can be, and what an 
art show can become, and making her vision real for the whole of New 
Mexico's art community.

[[Page E476]]

  Please join me in recognizing the achievements of this business 
woman, Mary Ann Weems.

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