[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 53 (Thursday, April 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E553]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENTS OF MR. MARC WILSON AND THE 
                                NELSON-
                          ATKINS MUSEUM OF ART

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2010

  Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today in recognizing the 
outstanding achievements and cultural legacy of The Nelson-Atkins 
Museum of Art, in Missouri's Fifth District which I am privileged to 
represent. The Nelson-Atkins, founded in 1933, is home to more than 
33,500 works of art and is an institution ``committed through its 
collections and programs to being a vital partner in the educational 
and cultural life of Kansas City and a preeminent institution both 
nationally and internationally.''
  The Museum has developed into the recognizable and renowned 
institution that it is today with Director and CEO Marc F. Wilson at 
the helm. Marc graduated from the prestigious Yale University in 1963 
with a B.A. in European History and in 1967 with a M.A. in Chinese 
Studies and Asian Art History. He cultivated his professional skills 
through the Ford Foundation grants and enriching travels through East 
Asia. Marc returned to Kansas City in 1971 as Associate Curator of 
Chinese Art and helped organize an exhibition called Archaeological 
Finds of the People's Republic of China. The 1975 exhibition is 
remembered for lines of visitors that stretched to the street and 
became the Museum's largest blockbuster. In 1982, Marc Wilson became 
the museum's fourth director.
  Under his leadership, the Nelson-Atkins has developed the reputation 
as an iconic cultural center that is considered to be one of the 
primary destinations for Asian art and also boasts extensive 
collections in European, American, American Indian, Photography, 
Decorative Arts, and Modern and Contemporary works of art. During 
Marc's tenure, the Nelson-Atkins received international acclaim with 
the Bloch Building expansion. Designed by Steven Holl and acclaimed by 
Time Magazine as the No. 1 Architectural Marvel of 2007, the Bloch 
Building is an architectural masterpiece. It fluidly incorporates the 
landscape, neighboring classical building, and the Kansas City 
Sculpture Park. The Bloch Building is also a sustainable venture. The 
surrounding gardens help insulate the building and catch excess rain 
waters. The multiple screens in the glass cavities also control 
lighting and heating of galleries.
  This year, the Museum celebrated 75 years of excellence. In honor of 
this historical commemoration many local philanthropists, including 
honorary trustee Henry Bloch, have given or promised masterpieces to 
the Nelson-Atkins--enhancing the experience of art through personal 
treasures that are now shared with all who visit the museum.
  After 39 years with the museum, Marc has chosen to retire. His legacy 
will continue to grow through the educational opportunities fostered 
through his outreach and classes that develop the skills and interest 
of artist. Because of his work, people of all nationalities and ages 
explore exhibits that have found their way to the Heart of America 
through his reputation and professional guidance. Michael Braude from 
the Kansas City Business Journal called Marc ``totally approachable.''
  Those who work with Marc know of his great passion for speed and 
finely tuned machines, including his motorcycles and his sportscars, 
which he races in the Sports Car Club of America regional events. They 
also know that he is a part-time farmer on his historic tobacco farm 
near Weston, Mo. They may not know that as a younger man, he was 
respected for his fencing abilities and his marksmanship as a shooter.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Marc Wilson on his 
retirement. As he retires, he leaves with the respect of his peers, his 
staff, and the community that has benefited so greatly from Marc's 
leadership. He will be missed, but his accomplishments will continue to 
make the museum one of the gems of our community.

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