[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 36 (Wednesday, March 13, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E279-E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN CELEBRATION OF GREGORY KONDOS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 13, 2013

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of Gregory 
Kondos, a friend and renowned artist, as we celebrate his extraordinary 
career and his upcoming 90th birthday. Gregory is often noted as one of 
the finest California landscape artists, receiving a number of awards 
for his exquisite ability to capture beauty. As his family, friends, 
colleagues and fellow artists all gather to honor his remarkable 
career, I ask my colleagues to join me in tribute to Gregory Kondos.
  A resident of Sacramento for over eight decades, Gregory began his 
career and artistic training at Sacramento City College, later to 
receive both his Bachelor's and Master's in Art from California State 
University in Sacramento. He would later return to Sacramento City 
College to teach within the Art Department for 27 years, and served as 
the director of the campus gallery.
  Gregory's art is simply breathtaking, capturing California's beauty 
like few others ever have. I have long been an admirer of Gregory's 
work, and am thankful to have one of his paintings of the Sacramento 
River in my office. In Sacramento our rivers are our identity and the 
painting reminds me of Sacramento's ties to water and the benefits and 
challenges that brings. His California and Sacramento landscape pieces 
are amazing works of art that truly capture the essence and beauty of 
the region. After decades of work, Gregory and his art continue to be 
great ambassadors for the Sacramento region.

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  His collections have been on display in numerous museums including 
the Monterey Museum of Art, the Hirshhorn in Washington D.C., Yosemite 
Museum and the National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts in 
Manhattan. Additionally, Gregory has been recognized by a number of 
awards and accolades including being elected to the National Academy of 
Design.
  To celebrate Gregory's 90th birthday and his career as both an artist 
and teacher, the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento is displaying over 70 
pieces of his work in an exhibit, ``A Touch of Blue: Landscapes by 
Gregory Kondos.''
  Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to recognize the many contributions made by 
Gregory Kondos to the people of Sacramento and our nation. As Gregory, 
his wife Moni, friends, and colleagues celebrate his achievement, I ask 
my colleagues to join me in thanking him for his contributions and in 
celebrating his birthday and exceptional artistry.

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