[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 150 (Thursday, October 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2071]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 CELEBRATING THE MCA'S 40TH ANNIVERSARY

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                           HON. RAHM EMANUEL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2007

  Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 40th 
anniversary of the Museum of Contemporary Art, MCA, in Chicago. Since 
opening its doors in October 1967, the MCA has served as a home and 
artistic outlet for modern day artists.
  Through photography, performance, painting, sculptures, and video and 
film, the Museum houses modern visionaries' ideas and passions. 
Visitors to the museum are able to witness artistic interpretations of 
the cultural, social, and historical highlights of our time. As one of 
the largest modern art museums in the country, the MCA is a place where 
the public can be informed, educated, and stimulated by the creative 
process.
  Its opening in 1967 gave Chicago and its visitors access to artwork 
from modern day artists. Dan Flavin, an American minimalist, and 
Mexican artist Frida Kahlo displayed their first solo exhibitions at 
the MCA. The MCA was also the first American museum to exhibit the work 
of Spanish artist Antoni Tapies. The museum also houses the works of 
American artist Jeff Koons and American photographer Robert Mapplethorp 
and many others. Recently, the MCA has exhibited the works of 
photographer Wolfgang Thilmans, American minimalist Richard Tuttle, and 
Chicago-based cartoonist Chris Ware.
  In 2006 the MCA received the Arts Presenters/MetLife Foundation Award 
for Excellence in Arts Access. The MCA's commitment to providing access 
to art for people with disabilities has established the MCA as an 
institution which embraces artistic talent from all people.
  Madam Speaker, I am thrilled to celebrate the 40th anniversary of 
this institution. I would like to thank the Museum of Contemporary Art 
for their contributions to Chicago's outstanding cultural tradition, 
and I congratulate every one of the artists and employees that has made 
their 40 years possible. I look forward to more decades of outstanding 
exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

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