Assemblyman and Republican Leader Michael Villines was presented the 2008 President’s Award from CAM for his support of the state’s museums and cultural institutions in a ceremony at the Fresno Art Museum on May 2, 2008. Assemblyman Villines was chosen to receive the President’s Award in part because of his strong support of museums, zoos, and cultural institutions across the state. As reported in previous editions of CAM e-News, Assemblyman Villines introduced ACR 100 last February to proclaim May 2008 as California Museum Month. This bill, which was chaptered by the Secretary of State on April 21, 2008, highlights the vital role museums play in educating our state’s students and citizens. The bill can be read in its entirety at http://www.calmuseums.org/news/ACR_100.pdf. To read coverage of the awards ceremony in the Fresno Bee, visit http://www.fresnobee.com/263/story/572632.html. To see a photo of Assemblyman Villines accepting the award, visit http://www.calmuseums.org/museum_month/MuseumDay2008.html.
Celeste DeWald, Executive Director of the California Association of Museums, along with CAM Board President Jim DeMersman, Executive Director of the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate presented the award. Also in attendance were Kathleen Monaghan, Executive Director of the Fresno Metropolitan Museum and member of the CAM Board of Directors, Eva Torres, Acting Director of the Fresno Art Museum, and representatives from other local cultural arts organizations.
Recipients of the President’s Award are elected officials in California state government who have shown support of California museums, demonstrated a continuing commitment to museums in California, and shown publicly their support of museums in their local district. “We are pleased to recognize Assemblyman Villines for his support of the state’s museums and the cultural institutions in his district,” stated DeMersman. “His efforts have helped emphasize the vital role museums play in California as partners in education, lifelong learning, and community building.”
The Fresno Metropolitan Museum organized the ceremony in order to thank Villines for his contributions to Fresno’s cultural arts organizations. “Assemblyman Villines has exhibited a remarkable commitment to his community through his efforts in Sacramento,” said Monaghan. “The Met and all of Fresno’s cultural arts partners are grateful, and this is our opportunity to salute him.”
For additional information about the President's Award, please contact Celeste DeWald, CAM Executive Director, at cam@calmuseums.org or 831-471-9970.
