[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 77 (Friday, May 11, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E636-E637]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2017 ARTS AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 11, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Arts Council of 
Fairfax County and the recipients of its 2017 Arts Awards.
  These awards recognize the extraordinary contributions of those who 
support the arts in our community, including artists and arts 
organizations, as well as individuals and businesses in Fairfax County, 
the City of Fairfax, and the City of Falls Church. The economic benefit 
of that support cannot be overstated. During FY2015, total industry 
expenditures generated over $22.4 million in local and state government 
revenues, supported 6,952 full-time equivalent jobs, and generated 
$155.8 million in resident household income.
  Each year, the Arts Council of Fairfax County honors a select group 
of individuals, companies, or organizations that have made 
extraordinary contributions to the local arts community. It is my honor 
to include in the Record the names of the 2017 recipients.
  The 2017 Jinx Hazel Arts Award is being presented to Dewberry for its 
ongoing support of the arts in Fairfax County. In 1982, Dewberry was 
invited to design the new Filene Center at Wolf Trap after the original 
structure was destroyed in a fire. The new Filene Center stands today 
as one of the defining symbols of the strength of the arts in Fairfax 
County, enjoyed by hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. 
Additionally, Dewberry has made significant contributions to arts 
education at George Mason University's School of Music, and Mr. Barry 
Dewberry has been a long-time supporter of the Fairfax Symphony 
Orchestra.
  The 2017 Emerging Arts Award is being presented to the Washington 
West Film Festival (WWFF). WWFF emerged in 2011 as Fairfax's first 
professional film festival organization with a mission to celebrate the 
transformative power of film.
  Since its beginning, the WWFF has screened more than 300 films 
through its annual festival in Fairfax, drawing over 16,000 attendees 
in its short history. In addition, the WWFF dedicates 100% of its box 
office proceeds to charitable causes.
  The 2017 Arts Achievement Award is being presented to Dr. Daniel E. 
Sheehy. Dr. Sheehy is a musician, musicologist, educator, historian, 
and author, and has devoted his life to helping the world better 
understand itself by

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experiencing its diverse music and cultures. Additionally, Dr. Sheehy 
is one of the world's most respected and honored authorities on the 
subject of Mexican mariachi music. Since 1978, in the basement of 
Daniel's home in the Baileys Crossroads area of Falls Church, some 
fifty musicians have rehearsed, performed with Mariachi Los Amigos, and 
gone on to form their own bands. It is not an exaggeration to say that 
the proliferation of mariachi music in Greater Washington, DC is a 
result of Daniel Sheehy.
  The 2017 Arts Philanthropy Award is being presented to Mr. Todd Hitt. 
Born and raised in Northern Virginia, Mr. Hitt is committed to 
enhancing the economic and cultural vibrancy of the region in which he 
was raised. In 2007, he launched Kiddar Capital, a private equity 
company that stands at the forefront of built world technologies. Mr. 
Hitt's office features art by local area artists. He believes giving 
back to one's community is a core principle of citizenship. As a 
supporter of the arts and humanities, he not only donates a significant 
portion of his income to local nonprofits each year, but he has also 
helped raise additional funds for those organizations over the last 
five years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
recipients of the 2017 Arts Awards and in recognizing and thanking the 
visionaries, leaders, and supporters who help to make our Northern 
Virginia communities rich with cultural opportunities.

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