For Immediate Release
Office of Mrs. Bush
January 4, 2002
Remarks by Mrs. Bush at the Portrait Unveiling at the Texas State Capitol
As delivered.
Thank you very much, Governor Perry, Anita.
My husband and I are thrilled to be back with so many friends in
our state's capitol - I say "our" capitol because although we live in
Washington, D.C., Texas is a part of who we are, and the Lone Star
State is always in our hearts.
When I see the white dome of our nation's capitol, I am often
reminded of this beautiful pink granite building.and my thoughts turn
to the wonderful experiences we had here, where we spent so much time.
We have many happy memories - and I'll share one of them with you:
Down in the Capitol Extension where my office was, I hosted receptions
to launch exhibits of the works of Texas artists.
Our staff; legislators and their staffs; members of the media and
even a few of the people here today would take a break from the routine
to come down for cookies and coffee and, of course, to meet the
artists.
The office is a small area that was often packed with people and
art.and, for one of our receptions, we even managed to squeeze in a
Mariachi band. We showed everything from charcoals to bronze
sculptures, from antique radios turned into a fish tank to a display of
radiant watercolors.
Two of the artists we featured were Scott and Stuart Gentling --
and in fact, their very important collection of prints of Texas birds
are still found in the Governor's offices - in the Old Insurance
Building elevator lobbies on each floor.
When my husband first moved into the Governor's office, we worked
with Ali Turley, Bonnie Campbell and the Preservation Board to set up
his office.
Later we worked together to acquire Texas historic art for the
Capitol building. I'm grateful to them - and to Jan Bullock, Nelda
Laney and Alice Carrington for their help on this special project to
collect historic works for the Capitol.
I'm proud to say that we acquired more than 30 paintings and today
we're thrilled to be adding another painting to the Capitol
collection.this portrait of my husband.
In this wonderful portrait, Scott Gentling shows the President's
warmth and resolve. This is the way I have always seen him, and as
Americans and the world have come to know him. These qualities of
character are rooted in this place and its people.
Ladies and gentlemen, I'm proud to introduce my favorite Texan, my
husband
. President George W. Bush.
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