[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 9]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 13583]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE GREATER RESTON ARTS CENTER ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 40TH 
                              ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 12, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Greater Reston 
Arts Center (GRACE) on the occasion of its 40th anniversary and to 
recognize the contributions this local institution has made to the 
cultural life of throughout Northern Virginia.
  Founded in 1974 by artists and friends of the arts as a source of 
cultural enrichment for what was then the ``new town'' of Reston, GRACE 
has enriched community life by promoting involvement and excellence in 
contemporary visual arts. GRACE initially operated out of the landmark 
Heron House on Lake Anne and offered classes in sculpture, painting, 
and weaving for children and adults. In 1976, GRACE began training 
volunteer ``docents'' to lead interactive discussions of art history in 
elementary schools. This signature program now reaches more than 20,000 
students in 42 schools across the region.
  From its current location in Reston Town Center, GRACE provides a 
year-round program of contemporary visual art exhibitions, education 
programs for all ages, and special events. In recent years, GRACE has 
introduced new traditions such as the seasonal ``Focus'' exhibition 
series, and has engaged the community with events such as free gallery 
receptions, holiday wine tastings, and string quartet performances. The 
annual Northern Virginia Arts Festival, operated by GRACE, is widely 
recognized as a signature event that features more than 200 juried, 
national artists and draws tens of thousands of attendees/buyers 
annually. Such activities greatly enhance both the cultural life and 
local economy of Reston and Fairfax County.
  Looking forward, GRACE intends to fill the need for a more dynamic 
artistic and cultural presence brought about by Reston Town Center's 
emergence as an international business destination and regional 
attraction. Under the leadership of Executive Director Damian Sinclair, 
GRACE recently announced its ``40 Forward'' campaign to develop a more 
robust Fine Arts Festival, enhance its gallery exhibitions, extend its 
education program online, and partner with other institutions to 
promote a stronger commitment to public and performance art.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating GRACE 
on its 40th anniversary and thanking its staff, volunteers, and 
supporters for their ongoing contributions to the quality of life in 
Northern Virginia.

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