(Kansas City, MO)—Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II and his wife, Dianne, will announce the winners of Missouri’s Fifth District  Congressional Art Contest: A Journey of Artistic Discovery from 1:30-3:30 p.m., on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Branch in downtown Kansas City. This event marks the opening of an exhibit featuring the artwork of area high school students who submitted entries in the competition.
 

At the ceremony, Congressman Cleaver will honor James Reeds, a member of a group of World War II veterans known as “Monuments Men.” 

“For anyone who has stood in awe before a great piece of art, we owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to the ‘Monuments Men.'  These men and women and their Allied counterparts preserved for untold generations the cultural heritage of Europe amidst Nazi theft and war’s destruction. The challenge was enormous - relatively few in number, these soldiers preserved, located and restored hundreds of magnificent works of art created by the great European masters. In trucks, caves, castles and humble homes, through horrendous conditions and with little resources, they performed this amazing feat. James Reeds and the others in his unit shared in common what many heroes of the ‘Greatest Generation’ displayed - a sense of determined purpose, unwavering courage and unnatural humility,” said Congressman Cleaver.

The Congressional Art Contest is hosted in over 300 congressional districts around the country and involves thousands of students. In Missouri’s Fifth District, entries are judged by a panel of art enthusiasts and experts, and all students are recognized for their participation. The first place winner is flown to Washington, D.C. courtesy of Southwest Airlines, to attend the opening gala at the Capitol, where all of the participating congressional districts’ winning artwork will be on display for the next year in the Cannon Tunnel leading to the Capitol.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the artistic talent of our youth. I am always so impressed by the artwork entered into the competition, and I look forward to displaying their excellent work both here and in Washington,” said Congressman Cleaver. “I greatly appreciate the Kansas City Public Library and the downtown Central Branch for hosting this event. Local student artwork in this beautiful historic building is a perfect combination.”

Who: Congressman Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05) and his wife, Dianne Cleaver and
Crosby Kemper, Chief Executive Kansas City Public Library

What:  The Congressional Art Contest Exhibit Opening: A Journey of Artistic Discovery

When: Saturday, April 21, 2007 from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Where: Kirk Hall of the Kansas City Public Library’s Central Branch (First Floor),
14 W. 10th Street, Kansas City, MO

Emanuel Cleaver, II is the U.S. Representative for Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, which includes Kansas City, Independence, Lee's Summit, Raytown, Grandview, Sugar Creek, Belton, Raymore and Peculiar, Missouri. He is a member of the exclusive House Financial Services Committee.