[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 14 (Thursday, February 10, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNITION OF OPEN STUDIO'S 10TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. MARK UDALL

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 10, 2005

  Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Open 
Studios on celebrating their 10th Anniversary of providing exemplary 
educational and cultural programming for artists and art lovers in the 
Boulder community. Open Studios is one of Colorado's outstanding arts 
organizations, offering opportunities to gain a broader understanding 
and appreciation of the visual arts.
  Founded by Gary Zeff in 1994, Open Studios' first event was held in 
Boulder, Colorado during October of 1995. Every fall since then, Open 
Studios has invited the public to create self-guided tours of 
approximately 135 studios featuring painters, sculptors, woodworkers, 
furniture makers, weavers, photographers, papermakers, jewelers, 
potters and other fine visual artists. These tours allow the public to 
meet the artists one-on-one in their studios and watch them work.
  Participating artists include an educational component in their 
studio setting. Many frequently engage the visitors by demonstrating 
their artistic skills and technique. Visitors are encouraged to ask 
questions about particular aspects of their work and their artistic 
process. At some studios, materials are available for adults and 
children to try their hand at creating art. Open Studios enhances the 
public tours with a unique Guidebook containing all the participating 
artists, an easy-to-read tour map, and an Art Resource Directory.
  Prior to the public tours, a preview exhibit is held locally along 
with an artists' reception. The general public is joined at this free 
event by arts designers, art consultants, dealers, gallery owners, 
private collectors, and other artists. Open Studios has established an 
excellent reputation in the community. In the 10-year history, 
attendance has increased from about 20,000 studio visits to over 
70,000. Its programs are implemented by an exceptional, dedicated staff 
with the sound stewardship of an innovative Board of Directors.
  Open Studios has a mission of education. That mission has been 
expanded over the years to include not just educational opportunities 
in the studios during the two week event, but also community activities 
especially for children. Six years ago, Open Studios coordinated with 
the Director of Special Education of the Boulder Valley School District 
to provide art supplies and instruction to Halcyon School. With the 
success of the program at Halcyon, the educational program has been 
expanded to include six more Boulder Valley schools. There is no charge 
to the schools, and Open Studios pays artists for their time with a 
grant from the Boulder Arts Commission.
  Throughout the decade, Open Studios has worked to bring art to the 
community in a myriad of different ways. Open Studios has assisted my 
office with the annual United States Congressional High School Art 
Competition for the past four years. In 2000, Open Studios brought 
William Ivey, the Chairman of the National Endowment for the Arts, to 
speak to Colorado communities and artists about the direction of the 
national art movement. In 2001, Open Studios arranged an opportunity 
for citizens to create cards to thank the members of the New York City 
Police and Fire Departments for their work and their sacrifices on 9/
11. And this past year, Open Studios engaged the Boulder community in 
painting America's largest paint-by-number, a 1000-square foot painting 
displayed on a building in downtown Boulder.
  The arts enhance the quality of every aspect of our lives. Open 
Studios has become a vital part of the community and has added to the 
quality of life of the citizens of Colorado. I ask my colleagues to 
join me in congratulating Open Studios for its accomplishments and its 
commitment to providing an unsurpassed cultural program to Coloradans. 
I wish its staff and Board continued creativity and success in the 
future.

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