[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 198 (Tuesday, December 20, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1319-E1320]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE OLD ASTORIA NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION ARTS DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 20, 2022

  Mrs. CAROLYN B. MALONEY of New York. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute to the Old Astoria Neighborhood Association (OANA) in support 
of their efforts to create a dedicated arts district located along the 
waterfront in Astoria, New York. OANA, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit 
organization founded in 2014 by President Richard Khuzami, has 
displayed a long-lasting commitment to the community and promotes 
quality of life, economic growth, and culture throughout Astoria.
  The Astoria Waterfront Arts District (AWAD) proposed by OANA would 
stretch from Astoria Boulevard south to Rainey Park along the 
waterfront, housing hundreds of graffiti artists, abstract painters, 
sculptors, muralists, and many more who contribute to the landscape of 
the community. The district would be the second arts district 
established in Astoria following the creation of the Kaufman Arts 
District in 2014. It would aim to showcase artwork by many of the 
world's most highly recognized artists and sculptors in addition to 
hundreds of works by community artists. The district would encompass 
many cultural institutions in Western Queens, among which are the 
Socrates

[[Page E1320]]

Sculpture Park, the Noguchi Museum, and the Welling Court Mural 
Project.
  Socrates Sculpture Park, established in 1986 by the artist Mark di 
Suvero with other artists and community members, is a not-for-profit 
organization dedicated to supporting artists in the production and 
presentation of contemporary public art. The park serves as both an 
internationally renowned outdoor exhibition space and studio program as 
well as a neighborhood park that offers a wide variety of free 
community events, programs, and services. Socrates Sculpture Park 
offers an extensive roster of inclusive public and educational 
programming for individuals of all ages, supporting life-long learning 
through an engagement with all and the natural landscape of the Park.
  The Noguchi Museum, founded in 1985 by category-defying artist Isamu 
Noguchi and chartered as The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden 
Museum, was the first museum in the United States to be established, 
designed, and installed by a living artist to show their own work. 
Located in Long Island City, Queens, the Museum itself is widely viewed 
as among the artist's greatest achievements. The Museum today remains a 
place for the exploration of individual artistic endeavor and creative 
collaboration through exposure to Noguchi's wide-ranging practice. 
Through an active exhibition and public programming schedule, coupled 
with ongoing education, preservation, and research projects, the Museum 
continues to illuminate the enduring influence of Noguchi in dialogue 
with contemporary culture.
  The Welling Court Mural Project began in 2009 when the organization 
Ad Hoc Art was invited by the community of Welling Court to add to the 
aesthetics of their neighborhood. The first project debuted in May 2010 
with over 44 murals, fitting for the diverse and lively inhabitants, 
Each year since, spectacular crews of legendary and groundbreaking 
artists have come together to transform the neighborhood into a 
creative celebration and public art experience. Now featuring over 150 
murals painted by artists from all corners of the globe, the Welling 
Court Mural Project is regarded as one of the leading collections of 
contemporary graffiti and street art.
  OANA is a firm believer that the art presented by these cultural 
institutions not only unifies the local community, but also attracts 
individuals from different parts of the world who travel to Astoria to 
observe and expand on the district's works. The location is easily 
accessible to all New Yorkers thanks to the centrally located Astoria 
Ferry Landing. Additionally, the AWAD is located close to the New York 
City Housing Authority Astoria Houses campus and would connect 
residents with more artistic programming.
  Diversity is the banner of the cultural institutions that define the 
AWAD. Art is presented in differentiating forms by individuals who 
interpret the world through distinct feelings, opinions, views, and 
perceptions. As the local population expands, the neighborhood is 
experiencing a demographic shift towards greater multiculturalism and 
ethnic diversity. This shift exposes new generations and cultures to 
the creative inspirations of different groups and opens a dialogue to 
build the future of art in New York City.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the Old 
Astoria Neighborhood Association for its dedication to arts and culture 
throughout Astoria. The Astoria Waterfront Arts District's 
incorporation into the neighborhood, in consultation with and subject 
to approval by municipal government entities, would strengthen 
Astoria's already vibrant culture, support local artists, and be a 
welcome addition to the artistic community, both throughout the city 
and our country.

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