[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 183 (Tuesday, November 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1541]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





           RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2018 ARTS AWARDS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 20, 2018

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize ARTSFAIRFAX (formerly 
the Arts Council of Fairfax County) and the recipients of its 2018 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.
  Each year, ARTSFAIRFAX 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 2018 recipients:
  The 2018 Jinx Hazel Arts Award is being presented to the Claude Moore 
Charitable Foundation. Founded in 1987 by Dr. Claude Moore, the 
Foundation works to enhance educational opportunities for young people. 
Having given more than $62 million to organizations and programs 
throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia, the Foundation is one of 
Virginia's largest philanthropic organizations. Its support in Fairfax 
County has been broad, consistent, and generative, with donations of 
more than $8 million to organizations and programs including: Claude 
Moore Colonial Farm, George Mason University's Fall for the Book 
festival, George Washington Teachers Institute at Mount Vernon, Lorton 
Arts Foundation, Foundation for Fairfax County Public Schools, Fairfax 
Library Foundation, Artist-in-Education Bluemont Concert Series, the 
Fairfax Symphony Orchestra, Virginia Chamber Orchestra, Fairfax County 
Parks Authority, ARTSFAIRFAX, and many more.
  The 2018 Arts Education Award is being presented to the American 
Youth Philharmonic Orchestras (AYPO). Since 1964, AYPO has provided 
rigorous, conservatory-quality orchestra training and performance 
experience for thousands of gifted, young musicians from Northern 
Virginia. Nearly 90 percent of AYPO members live in Fairfax County and 
more than two-thirds are minorities. All students take part in 
competitive auditions and all are selected solely on their musical 
achievements. These ensembles are open to all youth in the region, not 
just AYPO members. This has allowed AYPO to serve a broader base of 
students within Fairfax County Public Schools. For 54 years, AYPO has 
helped young people develop their musical skills and an appreciation 
for orchestral music to provide opportunities that are rarely available 
in the schools.
  The 2018 Arts Impact Award is being presented to the Wolf Trap 
Foundation for the Performing Arts. Each year, nearly 400,000 people 
enjoy performances at the Filene Center, The Barns at Wolf Trap, and 
Children's Theatre-in-the-Woods. Wolf Trap is a cornerstone of Fairfax 
County's cultural fabric. Education also has long been core to Wolf 
Trap's mission. Though national in scope, the Wolf Trap Institute for 
Early Learning Through the Arts has roots in Virginia and has been 
partnering with Fairfax County Public Schools for more than 30 years. 
During the 2016-2017 school year, the Institute served more than 17,000 
children, educators, and parents/caregivers across 18 counties in the 
Commonwealth, including Fairfax.
  The 2018 Arts Philanthropy Award is being presented to Virginia 
McGehee Friend. Ms. Friend is an avid supporter of Washington West Film 
Festival, Greater Reston Arts Center, Arena Stage, Washington National 
Opera's Domingo-Cafritz Young Artist Program, Smithsonian Craft Show, 
Just Neighbors, Loudoun Hunger Relief, Mobile Hope, Canine Companions 
for Independence, and the National Humane Education Society. Throughout 
her life, Friend's tireless dedication and immense generosity to the 
arts in Fairfax County and across the region have served as a model for 
philanthropy.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
recipients of the 2018 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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