[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 47 (Friday, March 17, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                    IN RECOGNITION OF REGINALD SIMMS

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 17, 2017

  Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend my constituent, 
Reginald ``Reggie'' Simms, on his exhibit in the Purcellville Art 
Council's Black History Month Celebration, located at the historic 
Purcellville Train Station. Mr. Simms, now retired, dedicated his 
career to the arts, while also maintaining a deep love for African 
American history, and is deserving of this unique recognition.
  As a child and teenager, Mr. Simms attended Carver Elementary School 
in Arlington, Virginia and Douglas High School in Leesburg, Virginia, 
both historic African American schools in Northern Virginia. During his 
youth, segregation prevented him from using public libraries and local 
resources, but he was able to obtain copies of National Geographic 
magazines. These magazines created a new lens through which Mr. Simms 
understood and viewed the world around him and also sparked his 
interest in art--specifically photo realism.
  After attending the National Art School in Washington, D.C., he 
entered the Air Force at the age of 21 where he was stationed in Korea. 
After his time in the Air Force, Mr. Simms moved to New York where he 
took classes at Newark Fine Industrial Arts and also worked for a slew 
of graphic design and silkscreen companies. Finally, it was a position 
in the graphics department of the Washington Metro that brought Mr. 
Simms and his wife, Marion, back to Loudoun County, and he has lived at 
his home in Purcellville, Virginia ever since.
  It is important to note that throughout his illustrious career, Mr. 
Simms never lost sight of his love for art or appreciation for history. 
At his home, his finished basement, which doubles as his studio, is 
filled with water color paintings, oil paintings, sculptures, 
refurbished toys, and more, which he has painted, sculpted, and 
collected for years. Last month's exhibit was a compilation of his 
artistic works, books, and memorabilia which he and his brother, Larry, 
have obtained over the years. To this day, Mr. Simms enjoys painting 
his favorite National Geographic covers.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Reginald 
Simms for his impressive career, dedication to the African American 
community, and his most recent exhibit in Purcellville, Virginia. I 
wish him, his wife, Marion, and their family the best in all of their 
future endeavors.

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