[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15986]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ELLEN NOEL ART MUSEUM

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                        HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 16, 2010

  Mr. CONAWAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Ellen 
Noel Art Museum on its 25th Anniversary. For a quarter century, this 
institution has brought world class art to the dusty roads of West 
Texas. It is a beacon of knowledge and culture that shines across the 
Permian Basin.
  Through the museum's art classes, workshops, and collaborations, a 
generation of Texans has been afforded a window on the wider world that 
rivals those in Dallas, Austin, and beyond. Just recently, the museum 
was selected to be an Affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution because 
of its ``well deserved reputation for its collections, exhibitions, and 
educational programming.'' This opportunity will give the museum access 
to the vast collections of the Smithsonian Institution and allow the 
citizens of West Texas to see some of man's finest artistic 
achievements in their own back yard. It also serves as an exclamation 
point on 25 years of exceptional educational opportunities.
  Of course, without curators, teachers, maintenance staff, donors, and 
volunteers, a museum is just a building. As we celebrate the museum's 
25th anniversary, we must also extend our gratitude to the hundreds of 
people who have worked over the years to build this institution into 
the community treasure we have today.
  For 25 years, the dedicated staff and volunteers at the Ellen Noel 
Art Museum has served the students and families of their community. 
From nothing more than an idea, they have built a lasting legacy for 
every citizen of West Texas to enjoy and be inspired. We owe them all a 
debt of gratitude.
  On behalf of the citizens of the Permian Basin, who I am privileged 
to represent, I extend my congratulations to the Ellen Noel Art Museum 
on its 25th Anniversary and my deepest thanks to the citizens who have 
worked to create this institution. Our community is made better because 
of your hard work.

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