[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 176 (Wednesday, November 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING DR. J. EUGENE GRIGSBY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ED PASTOR

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 14, 2007

  Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. J. Eugene 
Grigsby, a talented and multi-faceted artist who has been instrumental 
in highlighting the importance of combining art with culture and 
history as a means of expression. As such, he is considered by many as 
``one of America's leading artistic minds and recognized 
internationally as an artistic voice for the African American 
community.'' It was in keeping with this distinction that he was 
recently honored by the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation at its 
Celebration of Leadership for the Visual and Performing Arts.
  From his early days as a young art teacher in 1946 at Phoenix's 
segregated Carver High School, Dr. Grigsby has concentrated on 
conveying to his students the importance of incorporating their 
personal being and heritage in their works--a message he continued to 
demonstrate as he rose to become Professor Emeritus of Art at Arizona 
State University. As an internationally respected artist himself, who 
has mastered a number of mediums including oils, acrylics and 
lithographs, his works are noted for their ability to capture the 
spirit and dignity of his African and African-American subjects in 
scenes depicting their daily life.
  A pioneer in today's promotion of multi-cultural art, Dr. Grigsby led 
the way to contemporary art instruction that goes beyond work in the 
studio by including the study of history and how man has chosen to 
express himself in differing environments. It is within this context 
that his celebrated book, Art and Ethnics: Background for Teaching 
Youth in a Pluralistic Society, has provided educators with valuable 
insights into art education and will continue to impact the study of 
art well into the future.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend, honor and thank Dr. Grigsby, 
one of the great American artists, for his continued service and 
contributions to the world of art and academic communities.

                          ____________________