[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 9, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E411]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





  HONORING THE KATHLEEN K. SEEFELDT FOR ARTS EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNERS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the awardees 
of the 25th annual Kathleen K. Seefeldt Awards.
  The Kathleen K. Seefeldt Awards for Arts Excellence are based on 
significant or distinguished contributions to the arts in the Greater 
Prince William County area. The Seefeldt Awards are sponsored by the 
Prince William County Arts Council--a membership organization 
established during Seefeldt's tenure as Chair of the Prince William 
County Board of Supervisors whose mission is to foster the creation, 
production, and appreciation of the arts through advocacy and 
education. Ultimately, the Awards seek to sustain their namesake's 
legacy of public service and support for the cultural arts in the 
Greater Prince William County area.
  First, I would like to recognize Jordan Exum, this year's awardee for 
Outstanding Volunteer in the Arts. Ms. Exum has selflessly served the 
Greater Manassas and Prince William County area as Gallery Director of 
The ARTfactory, where she plays a key role in fulfilling the 
organization's vision of enriching the community through the arts by 
connecting local and regional artists through the ARTfactory's gallery 
and exhibitions.
  Similarly, this year's Seefeldt Awardee for Outstanding Individual 
Artist, John Hartt, has connected the Prince William County Community 
through his vibrant and thought-provoking artwork. Mr. Hartt has 
amassed an extensive and distinguished career as a graphic designer, 
and certainly accomplished his goal of wanting to use his art to make 
others smile.
  While individual support of the arts is important, it is also 
important to have the support of our business community. Understanding 
that artistic enrichment is a key component of leading a healthy life, 
this year's Outstanding Business Supporter of the Arts, UVA Community 
Health, has been a steadfast supporter of the arts in the Greater 
Prince William County area.
  Likewise, it is paramount that we have enthusiastic and passionate 
support for the arts at the school level. Sarah Weaver, this year's 
Outstanding Arts Educator, has been a consistent ally of the arts for 
more than a decade as she served the Manassas County Public Schools 
community in several roles, including as Fine Arts Department Chair at 
Osborn High School.
  Next, I would like to recognize Gainesville Community Choir as this 
year's Outstanding Arts Organization awardee. I commend the Gainesville 
Community Choir for the community-building work they do to develop and 
support musical excellence. Their commitment to community, musical 
excellence, passion, and integrity are exceptional.
  Finally, I would like to acknowledge Denise McCall of DM Visual LLC 
as this year's Outstanding Patron of the Arts. Ms. McCall's support of 
the arts through her generous patronage as Director and Founder of DM 
Visual LLC, alongside her consistent volunteering as member of the 
Prince William County Arts Council, makes her an asset to the community 
and extremely deserving of this recognition.
  I am pleased to see that support for the arts is alive and well in 
Virginia's Seventh District. I wish to congratulate all the awardees of 
this year's 25th annual Seefeldt Awards and implore them to continue 
the important work they have begun. Their dedication to enriching the 
Greater Prince William County area through the arts has an impact that 
will reverberate throughout our communities for generations to come. 
Kathleen Seefeldt's legacy undoubtedly lives on through the work they 
all have done.

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