Virginia Senate Recognizes Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts

Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts announced today that the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates passed a resolution commending the Foundation and celebrating its 40th anniversary. In a center aisle presentation attended by Wolf Trap FoundationPresident and CEO Terrence Jones, and Director of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, Karen Pittleman,the House and Senate for The Commonwealth of Virginia, unanimously passed a joint resolution, noting the important cultural contributions Wolf Trap has provided to the community over the past four decades.
 
Wolf Trap was founded by Catherine Filene Shouse, who at the age of 75 donated 100 acres of her Vienna, Virginia farmland to the United States government. Wolf Trap Foundation, in partnership with the National Park Service, is recognized for its many contributions to The Commonwealth and the nation during the past 40 years since the opening of Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. Ms. Shouse donated the land so that the broadest possible audience could enjoy high quality arts and education programs in a natural, majestic setting. That goal remains at the center of Wolf Trap's mission today.
 
The Resolution formally acknowledges Wolf Trap's devotion to presenting and creating excellent and innovative performing arts programs for the enrichment, education, and enjoyment of diverse audiences and participants, for the past 40 years. The Resolution was introduced in the Senate by Senator Janet Howell (D-Reston) and in the House by Delegate Barbara Comstock, (R-McLean). 
 
"It was an honor to introduce this resolution to celebrate Wolf Trap's 40th anniversary and its unique contributions as the nation's only National Park for the Performing Arts," stated Delegate Comstock. "Through theatrical and educational programs, musical performances, and programs for diverse audiences of all ages, Wolf Trap has been instrumental in providing a wide array of cultural experiences to our area and the rest of the nation. For over 25 years my family and I have enjoyed Wolf Trap as a vibrant part of our community. I'm so proud to support Wolf Trap and have this National Treasure in my district."
 
Recognizing that Wolf Trap is a model partnership between the National Park Service and the private nonprofit Wolf Trap Foundation for the Performing Arts, Senator Howell praised Wolf Trap's national reach, but added, "As Virginians, we consider Wolf Trap to be our institution."
 
Citing Wolf Trap's economic impact and its statewide service to education, Howell stated, "this organization epitomizes the familiar slogan: "The Arts Build Community."
 
Wolf Trap will celebrate its 40th anniversary with nearly 300 special events and performances throughout the year. This spring and summer, the Foundation will present several new artistic works, including its second, original opera, The Inspector and two new dance commissions, among other performances. The annual Wolf Trap Ball on September 17, 2011 will be dedicated to this special anniversary and the organization's renowned history.
 
"It is an honor for The Foundation to be recognized by the Virginia Senate and House of Delegates for this important anniversary for Wolf Trap," said Jones. "With the support from our legislators and our partners at the National Park Service, as well as our loyalpatrons, donors, Wolf Trap Board members and staff, the Foundation has been able to enrich the lives of more than 20 million people through critical performing arts and education programs. We are privileged to carry out the mission of Wolf Trap's founder and continue to serve people of all ages in our community and beyond."