[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 14728]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WEXNER CENTER FOR THE ARTS

 Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the 
professionals at the Wexner Center for the Arts--the Wexner Center--for 
25 years of committed service to The Ohio State University and to the 
greater central Ohio community. The mission of the Wexner Center is to 
act ``as a forum where established and emerging artists can test ideas 
and where diverse audiences can participate in cultural experiences 
that enhance understanding of the art of our time.'' The exhibits, 
performances, and educational programs at the Wexner Center achieve 
this mission and effectively promote the importance of art throughout 
our Columbus region.
  On July 5, 1985, the architectural design by Peter Eisenman and 
Richard Trott was selected from a competition of six designs and paid 
homage to the Ohio State Armory, which formerly occupied the space. The 
Wexner Center opened its doors to the public on November 5, 1989 and 
over the past quarter century has served as an exhibition space for all 
types of art.
  Today, the Wexner Center features many exhibits and programs each 
year and is home to The Ohio State University Fine Arts Library. The 
center welcomes visiting artists to Ohio State and Columbus from around 
the world. More than 200,000 people visit the center annually and more 
than 400,000 patrons utilize the online resources.
  The Wexner Center provides the central Ohio community with 
educational and cultural opportunities for all visitors. I congratulate 
all who were involved in making its first 25 years a success.

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