[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 164 (Thursday, October 12, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1378]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CELEBRATING THE 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF ARTE AMERICAS

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 12, 2017

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Arte Americas on 
the occasion of their 30th anniversary. Arte Americas is the largest 
Latino Cultural Arts Center in the San Joaquin Valley, located in the 
heart of my district in downtown Fresno, California. Since its creation 
30 years ago, Arte Americas has made a significant impact on the Valley 
by making the arts accessible to the local community.
  Beginning in rented space in downtown Fresno in 1987, Arte Americas 
has developed into a significant center on Van Ness Avenue, housing the 
Valley's Latino arts culture. Arte Americas serves the important role 
of both preserving Latino culture and introducing it to the Valley. The 
museum not only showcases Arts in Mexico, Latin America, the Southwest, 
and California, but an array of cultures from throughout the Central 
Valley. Arte Americas has become a hub of activity for the Latino and 
arts communities, frequently hosting receptions, meetings and special 
presentations. They frequently collaborate with local groups furthering 
their mission ``To make Central California a flourishing place for 
Latino arts.''
  Over the years Arte Americas has been fortunate to have the support 
of a truly dedicated and vibrant staff, board members, and devoted 
volunteers. Their hard work has been the key to their years of 
successful events, installations and exhibits. Over the years poets, 
musicians, playwrights, novelists, sculptors, writers, dancers, and 
painters both local and from across the world have been featured at 
Arte Americas.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating Arte 
Americas' 30th anniversary. I look forward to the opportunity to 
continue to work together to further the arts in the Central Valley. 
Once again, congratulations on this special milestone.