THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Tuesday, February 14, 1995 TAG: 9502140490
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 40 lines
It has been my privilege to have been a part of the development of a truly great center for arts in Virginia. Nothing has given me a greater sense of satisfaction as other new and excellent centers of art have been developed.
The amazing thing is that most of this awareness of the arts first came on the scene in 1934 when a very generous patron of the arts gave or left the magnificent sum of $10 million to the commonwealth. Details escape me, but I do well remember how exciting that news was to many people. The Virginia General Assembly responded by establishing the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.
You might say the seed was planted then. Many small museums and other groups and places began to ask for help. That help was forthcoming. Today, as a result of that seed, I estimate that we have in Virginia close to a billion dollars' worth of art, including buildings, now owned by individual collectors and institutions, with the state paying very little if any of the acquisition costs. The amazing and significant conclusion to be drawn from this astonishing feat is that many, many people in almost all walks of life have been affected in positive ways.
Experience has also shown that many industries are persuaded to consider the importance of the arts when deciding as to plant locations. Ask any business recruiter.
I still have the good fortune to be associated with several institutions of learning from kindergarten to highly technical schools. I am very appreciative of how important our Virginia schools have kept up with and often ahead of the general trend.
Do all you can for the arts. They do a lot for all of us.
H. C. HOFHEIMER II
Norfolk, Feb. 8, 1995 by CNB