[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 99 (Tuesday, July 8, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1423]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE CHILDREN'S CREATIVE FESTIVAL

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                          HON. GARY G. MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 8, 2003

  Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute 
to the Children's Creative Festival of Orange County, California and 
support their efforts to educate and enlighten the community.
  Last month, the Children's Creative Festival wrapped up their 
weekend-long street painting festival, Fun with Chalk. Hundreds of 
artists from around the world descended on to my district to transform 
the streets around the Mission Viejo, California civic center into a 
colorful, interactive art gallery.
  The art of street painting and the carnival that follows it dates 
back to sixteenth century Europe when villagers decorated the 
cobblestone paths surrounding their town square to celebrate a harvest 
or other important occasion. The Children's Creative Festival continues 
this tradition as a way to educate, entertain and inspire young people, 
and to foster a small town atmosphere reminiscent of old Europe.
  The Children's Creative Festival uses funds raised at this annual 
street painting faire to help local schools with art education and 
other cultural activities. Last year, more than 79,000 children 
benefited from year round programs and classes sponsored by this all-
volunteer organization.
  The Children's Creative Festival was also the key sponsor of my 2003 
Congressional art competition, which awarded scholarships to five young 
artists.
  Dr. Frank Lieberman and his wife, Elaine, founded the Children's 
Creative Festival five years ago to inspire creativity, teach art 
appreciation and provide supplemental funding for quality visual and 
performing arts experiences for school children, thus developing 
creative and imaginative adults. I believe they have achieved their 
stated goals and wish them and their organization continued success in 
future endeavors.

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