[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 94 (Tuesday, May 31, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E566]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING 75 YEARS OF THE MICHIGAN WATER COLOR SOCIETY

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                          HON. DEBBIE DINGELL

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 31, 2022

  Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Michigan 
Water Color Society as they celebrate their seventy-fifth anniversary. 
Their significant contributions to our community and their seventy-five 
years spent promoting local artists and their work throughout the state 
of Michigan are worthy of commendation.
  In September 1946, a group of about 70 watercolorists interested in 
forming a statewide society met in the galleries at Detroit's Scarab 
Club to discuss creating what became the Michigan Water Color Society. 
Their exploratory meeting focused on the need for integrity, 
professionalism, and inclusion of all points of view. By the end of the 
year, the Society was established, with Emil Weddige of the University 
of Michigan and William Bostick of the Detroit Institute of Arts 
serving as the first co-presidents. Their first exhibition was held in 
Detroit in June 1947, featuring fifty-nine unique paintings.
  Annual juried exhibitions are the Michigan Water Color Society's 
premier event, these exhibitions feature watercolor paintings by 
Michigan artists and are on display for Michiganders and art 
enthusiasts of all ages to see. Winning artists receive cash prizes, 
and their paintings are then shown at museums around the state. The 
Michigan Water Color Society also provides other opportunities for 
Michigan artists to display their art such as ``Out of the Box''--a 
``not necessarily watercolor'' art showcase that exhibits other 
artistic mediums beyond watercolor. A volunteer-run organization, the 
Michigan Water Color Society has created a welcoming community for 
artists of all ages and backgrounds. They work tirelessly to promote 
and showcase the talents of our Michigan artists and share their 
passion for art with us all.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the 
Michigan Water Color Society on this special day. We are grateful for 
their seven and a half decades spent enriching our culture in the state 
of Michigan. We wish them the very best in the years to come and 
congratulate them on their seventy-fifth annual exhibition at the 
Kayrod Gallery in Detroit, the city where it all began so many years 
ago.

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