Recognizing the 15th Anniversary of the Arts of Great Falls

Floor Speech

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Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Arts of Great Falls on its 15th anniversary.

The Arts of Great Falls (AGF) Foundation is a non-profit organization, founded in 2008 to encourage, support, and promote the fine arts in Great Falls and the surrounding communities. Located in the heart of Great Falls in the Village Centre, their popular art school attracts students from across the greater Washington metropolitan area.

From June through August, AGF holds a summer camp for young, aspiring artists between the ages eight and eighteen. This camp allows students to explore a variety of mediums such as oil paints, papier-mache, and charcoal. During the school year, they offer adult fine art classes from beginners to professional artists. These classes give people the chance to adventure into jewelry making, try their hand at plein air painting, or express themselves through collage abstracts.

The Arts of Great Falls also provides gallery space for local artists to exhibit their work and offers affordable studio space to 12 artists at The Artists' Atelier and The Artists' Loft. The shared studio rentals allow local artists to create and exhibit their artwork for the community.

Throughout the year, AFG hosts multiple events, including the 1st Friday ArtWalk and the annual Paint Great Falls Plein Air Competition. These events offer unique ways to enjoy and appreciate art.

Another cornerstone event, the Studio Art Tour, offers attendees the opportunity to meet local artists in their home-based studios and share creative processes. The tour features many of the region's top creative talents and showcases a variety of workspaces. People can see demonstrations, exhibits, and hands-on activities in some studios located in historic, rustic, or other extraordinary properties and outbuildings. Demonstrations include wood carving, a lithographic press, pottery, mixed media, and photography.

Mr. Speaker, organizations like the Arts of Great Falls serve a fundamental role in our community. The arts have played, and must continue to play, a fundamental role in our daily lives. The value of support for the arts in communities across America cannot be understated, and I commend the Arts of Great Falls for what they do to preserve and promote artistic expression in Northern Virginia. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Arts of Great Falls for fifteen years of extraordinary work.

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