Thursday, June 23, 2011

Tukwila representative Zack Hudgins wins appointment to state Arts Commission

Speaker of the House Frank Chopp has announced that State Representative Zack Hudgins has been appointed to the Washington State Arts Commission. Hudgins replaces former State Representative and long-time arts-supporter Lynn Kessler, and joins three other legislators and 19 governor-appointed citizen commissioners on the governing body.

Celebrating its fiftieth year of existence, the Arts Commission was created by the Legislature to address the “conservation and development of the State’s artistic resources [that] are essential to the social, educational, and economic growth of the State of Washington.”

From participating in events like the power tool race at the Georgetown Arts Festival, to serving on the SIFF-Renton host committee at Renton’s IKEA performing Arts Center, to hosting local art shows in his legislative office, Rep. Hudgins has gained a reputation around the capital as an ardent supporter of the arts in and around the communities of the 11th District he represents.

“I really enjoy showcasing the great art and artists from my local communities,” said Hudgins. “I can think of no better way to showcase what it means to be a member of such a vibrant, diverse community.”

Hudgins plans to make the most of this appointment, seeing it as a great opportunity to remind Washingtonians of the value added to the quality of life we enjoy, and believes we must protect and encourage local involvement in the arts throughout our state.

“During hard economic times some people think we can do without the Arts, but they don’t understand that the Arts are a strong economic driver,” Hudgins added. “They create better places to live and work, while creating jobs. And our Arts commission leverages private and Federal money to do this important work.”

Click on the links below to view the local artists showcased in Rep. Hudgins’ legislative office in Olympia:

Georgetown artists
Tukwila artists

Click here for more information on the Washington Arts Commission.

To read this blog post in Spanish, go here.

Apture