[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 93 (Friday, May 31, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E572]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING SHANZUO AND DAHUANG ZHOUSHI AND THE OPENING OF THE ZHOU B 
                       ART CENTER OF KANSAS CITY

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                          HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 31, 2024

  Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
achievements and success of Shanzuo and Dahuang Zhoushi, world renowned 
celebrity Chinese artist painters. Today, we join in recognition of 
their achievements and the impact they are creating in Missouri's Fifth 
Congressional District.
  Born in Guangxi, China, the Zhou brothers have shared their talents 
and vision to Chicago where they are currently based and have expanded 
beyond the United States, reaching across the world. Since their 
arrival to the U.S. in 1986, they have become world legends in the 
world of abstract art history, with their art sought after by 
collectors, celebrities, museums and foundations. They have 
participated in exhibitions of notes across the globe and received 
endless awards.
  In 2017, the Zhou brothers, at the invitation of their long-term 
friend and arts leader, Allen Gray, came to Kansas City, Missouri, to 
explore opportunities to share their artistry. In visiting, they were 
captivated by the arts community and the possibilities to engage in the 
collective and emerging arts community. As a result, the Zhou brothers 
launched a successful effort to purchase the historic Crispus Attucks 
Elementary School, located at 1801 East 18th Street, Kansas City, 
Missouri, located in the Historic 18th and Vine Jazz District. As part 
of their mission, they would be repurposing the building, which was 
constructed in 1905 and served as the primary school for local African 
American students and educators in the area, into the 75,000 square 
foot Zhou B Art Center of Kansas City. The school, which bears the name 
of a formerly enslaved name, Crispus Attucks, who was the first person 
killed in the Boston Massacre in 1770, was a central pillar of the 
community, making it repurpose even more significant to the area.
  The Zhou B Art Centel represents a $27 million Investment in the city 
of Kansas City. This investment will provide a lasting institution in 
our community for artists, students, educators, local residents, 
galleries, artist studios and national and international visitors to 
experience the finest in art, explore boundless opportunities for 
creativity, and the opportunity to build and enhance the area's 
infrastructure. It is evident that the Zhou brothers have left a 
lasting imprint on the artistic landscape of our community that will 
significantly enrich the lives of individuals and provide a point of 
inspiration and opportunities for partnership and collaborations people 
and organizations around the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 
Zhou Brothers for their tremendous accomplishments, contributions, and 
inspiration to others. On behalf of Missouri's Fifth Congressional 
District, I wish the Zhou Brothers congratulations on their new venture 
and wish them a continued journey filled with continued 
accomplishments, growth, and fulfillment.

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