[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 137 (Tuesday, August 20, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE MARTINEZ ARTS ASSOCIATION

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 20, 2019

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the Martinez Arts Association for its dedication to promoting the arts 
in our community and to celebrate its 50th annual Arts in the Park 
Festival, an event to support local art teachers and Martinez students 
who study art in college. The Martinez Arts Association is a 501(c)3 
nonprofit that provides opportunities to local artists and fosters arts 
education in Martinez schools.
  Founded in 1968, the Martinez Arts Association has a long history of 
supporting local artists and creativity in our community. The 
organization is led by a volunteer board of directors who are dedicated 
to increasing accessibility to the arts. The Martinez Arts Association 
is backed financially by Association members and generous local 
sponsors who are invested in cultivating the arts in Martinez.
  The Arts in the Park festival draws a larger crowd with each passing 
year. This year there are over sixty vendors, live music, activities, 
and a silent auction to spark people's imaginations and enable them to 
give back to our community. The Martinez Arts Association puts on other 
incredible events including the SWAN (Support Women Artists Now) Day 
Celebration, participates in local parades, and contributes rotating 
art exhibits at the library.
  Every year, the Martinez Arts Association awards $3,000 grants to 
Martinez elementary and high school teachers to help offset budget cuts 
to arts education. In addition, the organization runs a scholarship 
program that awards over $3,000 each year to local high school seniors 
who intend to study visual arts in college.
  Madam Speaker, the Martinez Arts Association has been an ardent 
advocate of the arts in our community since 1968. It is therefore 
fitting and proper that we honor the Martinez Arts Association here 
today.

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