[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 94 (Monday, June 9, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1166]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA ART GALLERY

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, June 9, 2008

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the 
10th anniversary of the Brooksville Art Gallery. Conceived of by two 
community stalwarts, Mary Alice Queiros and Karen Phillips, 10 years 
ago this month, the gallery has been an artistic pillar of the 
community for its entire existence.
  Following the completion of Brooksville City Hall in 1996, Clerk of 
the Court Karen Phillips and longtime champion of the arts Mary Alice 
Queiros looked for ways to brighten the hallways and fill much of the 
empty space. Starting in 1998, they reached out to the Hernando County 
community to find examples of outstanding art from local residents. One 
painting at a time, they slowly but surely covered the hallways and 
walls with fine examples of Florida artistry.
  Once the bare walls of city hall were filled with bright and 
beautiful artwork, the duo worked to make the area friendly to other 
forms of art, including poetry readings and sculpture. Today, 
Brooksville City Hall hosts an annual fall art show to showcase the 
work of area artisans. I also sponsor the annual congressional art 
competition, a contest for Fifth District high school artists to 
display their finest artwork and compete to have their piece hung in 
the United States Capitol. With hundreds of students exhibiting in city 
hall, Hernando County residents have truly been exposed to some of the 
finest artwork in our State.
  In addition to their love of art, both Mary Alice and Karen have been 
involved in the Brooksville community for many years. Karen Phillips 
has given back through her long service as Brooksville City Clerk, and 
Mary Alice has been honored as the 2005 Great Brooksvillian for her 
work on behalf of the greater community. Both these women have done so 
much to promote art in Hernando County, and deserve to be recognized 
for their dedication and commitment. I would like to congratulate them 
both on making the Brooksville City Hall Art Galley a haven for artists 
and a beautiful addition to our city government building.




                          ____________________