[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 62 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE 15TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ARTS OF GREAT FALLS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 13, 2023

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Arts of Great 
Falls on its 15th anniversary.
  The Arts of Great Falls (AGF) Foundation is a non-profit 
organization, founded in 2008 to encourage, support, and promote the 
fine arts in Great Falls and the surrounding communities. Located in 
the heart of Great Falls in the Village Centre, their popular art 
school attracts students from across the greater Washington 
metropolitan area.
  From June through August, AGF holds a summer camp for young, aspiring 
artists between the ages eight and eighteen. This camp allows students 
to explore a variety of mediums such as oil paints, papier-mache, and 
charcoal. During the school year, they offer adult fine art classes 
from beginners to professional artists. These classes give people the 
chance to adventure into jewelry making, try their hand at plein air 
painting, or express themselves through collage abstracts.
  The Arts of Great Falls also provides gallery space for local artists 
to exhibit their work and offers affordable studio space to 12 artists 
at The Artists' Atelier and The Artists' Loft. The shared studio 
rentals allow local artists to create and exhibit their artwork for the 
community.
  Throughout the year, AFG hosts multiple events, including the 1st 
Friday ArtWalk and the annual Paint Great Falls Plein Air Competition. 
These events offer unique ways to enjoy and appreciate art.
  Another cornerstone event, the Studio Art Tour, offers attendees the 
opportunity to meet local artists in their home-based studios and share 
creative processes. The tour features many of the region's top creative 
talents and showcases a variety of workspaces. People can see 
demonstrations, exhibits, and hands-on activities in some studios 
located in historic, rustic, or other extraordinary properties and 
outbuildings. Demonstrations include wood carving, a lithographic 
press, pottery, mixed media, and photography.
  Mr. Speaker, organizations like the Arts of Great Falls serve a 
fundamental role in our community. The arts have played, and must 
continue to play, a fundamental role in our daily lives. The value of 
support for the arts in communities across America cannot be 
understated, and I commend the Arts of Great Falls for what they do to 
preserve and promote artistic expression in Northern Virginia. I ask my 
colleagues to join me in congratulating the Arts of Great Falls for 
fifteen years of extraordinary work.