[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 148 (Friday, November 15, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2082]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE OPENING OF THE EAGLE ROCK ART MUSEUM IN IDAHO FALLS, ID

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                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. SIMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the beauty and value 
of persistence. Ten years ago, a group of artists along with the Mayor 
and City Council of Idaho Falls had the idea of creating an area art 
museum. This huge undertaking would take thousands of volunteer hours 
and many fundraising efforts to become a reality. Today, I'm proud to 
say through the hard work of those dedicated volunteers and public 
servants, the Eagle Rock Art Museum opened its doors.
  The Eagle Rock Art Museum showcases eastern Idaho artists. As someone 
who occasionally dabbles in artistic endeavors, I value the cultural 
significance art plays in our society. Visitors to this wonderful 
facility can now marvel at stone sculptures, oil and watercolor 
pictures, tiles painted by children and other compelling works of art. 
Children can enter the doors of the Eagle Rock Art Museum and be 
inspired by the work it showcases. There's even a children's art 
gallery to display the work of our youngest citizens.
  In civilization, art transcends age. The works of Michelangelo, 
Leonardo DaVinci, Claude Monet and modern day artists like Norman 
Rockwell breathe light into culture. The works of artists live on 
forever through museums like the Eagle Rock Art Museum. I'm proud of 
the community of Idaho Falls for working to make the Eagle Rock Art 
Museum a reality. The selfless efforts of many illustrate the powerful 
principle of working together for a common cause. I compliment Idaho 
Falls Mayor Linda Milam, Council members Ida Hardcastle and Mel 
Erickson, artists Gloria Miller Allen and John Griffith and the 
hundreds of other artists, individuals, and businesses that helped 
create the art museum. Thanks to their efforts generations of Idahoans 
will have a lasting appreciation for the importance of art in our 
world.

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