[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 78 (Friday, May 10, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E576]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN CELEBRATION OF THE 35TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAWTOOTHS AND OTHER RANGES OF 
                IMAGINATION: CONTEMPORARY ART FROM IDAHO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL K. SIMPSON

                                of idaho

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 10, 2019

  Mr. SIMPSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 35th 
anniversary of Sawtooths and Other Ranges of Imagination: Contemporary 
Art from Idaho.
  In 1983-84, the Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) featured an 
exhibition titled Sawtooths and Other Ranges of Imagination: 
Contemporary Art from Idaho that exclusively showcased artwork by 
acclaimed Idaho artists. The exhibition was shown at SAAM and then at 
the Boise Art Museum. Curated by Barbara Shissler Nosanow from the 
Smithsonian, the exhibition was realized thanks to the strong influence 
of Louise McClure, wife of U.S. Senator Jim McClure (Idaho).
  Louise, Senator McClure, Barbara, and one of Senator McClure's staff 
toured Idaho in a five-seat plane, stopping in at least five locations 
to jury entries submitted by Idaho artists. The opening reception 
featured Idaho food, including a special potato chip made by Ore-Idaho 
and fresh huckleberries.
  In 1991, President George H.W. Bush appointed Louise to the National 
Council on the Arts, the body that oversees the National Endowment for 
the Arts. She helped guide the National Endowment for the Arts through 
a challenging period during her six-year term of service. In addition 
to this important role in arts policy, Louise also advanced the arts in 
Idaho, including service on the Lionel Hampton International Jazz 
Festival Board, Boise State Public Radio Community Advisory Board, 
Boise Philharmonic, Women's and Children's Alliance, and many others. 
Louise's work has supported and fostered a strong arts culture in the 
capital city that continues today. In 2010, Idaho Governor C.L. 
``Butch'' Otter honored Louise and Jim by bestowing the Lifetime 
Achievement Award at the Governor's Awards in the Arts.
  On May 15, 2019, the James A. and Louise McClure Center for Public 
Policy Research, along with the University of Idaho's College of Art 
and Architecture, will partner with the Boise Art Museum to host a 
reception celebrating the 35th anniversary of this exhibition and the 
policymakers who value and support the arts, including Louise McClure.
  There is no question that Senator McClure had a huge influence on me 
and my political career. I strive every day to represent Idaho in the 
manner which he did, and Louise has always been a close, personal 
friend of Kathy and mine. It is truly an honor to recognize her today 
and thank her for all she has done for Idaho.

                          ____________________