Gov. Gregoire addresses the Museo 2 Benefit

March 9, 2008

*As Written*


Good evening and thank you, Gordon for the introduction.

Along with thanks to Gordon for the very special Hotel Murano -- let me also recognize�

�Mr. and Mrs. George Weyerhaeuser Jr�

�Kathy McGoldrick�

�.And Mr. and Mrs. John and Mary (Buzz) Folsom�

�All for their loyal support for the arts in Tacoma.

I also want to welcome my dear friend, Congressman Norm Dicks. I�m glad you could make it tonight, Norm.

Norm�s has helped so much in the renaissance of downtown Tacoma. Thank you, Norm.

It�s wonderful to be here tonight among some great artists -- and among people who love and appreciate art! And in that last group you can count Mike and me.

This city never ceases to amaze me. Every time I�m here, it�s to talk about something new in your city � from big port expansions to economic development on the Hilltop.

You and I both know that clich�s die hard. But growing up in Auburn, I gotta tell you I never would have guessed that among its many achievements, Tacoma would one day become a major destination for art lovers.

Who could have known that this city would be the place to go to see great glass art at the world-class Museum of Glass, or a Renoir (Ren-WAH) exhibit now on display at the Tacoma Art Museum?

And now � thanks to Gordon Sondland � we have the Hotel Murano --a destination point for art lovers, who can enjoy the best of local and international art displayed in the hotel, and use the hotel as a base to venture out to enjoy everything that Tacoma has to offer.

I spend a lot of time talking to people about how to strengthen Washington communities through education, public safety, affordable health care, and economic development.

But I also like to remind Washingtonians that the communities that really thrive are communities with a robust commitment to the arts.

The arts represent a community�s soul, and Tacoma�s soul is becoming richer indeed.

You�re busy creating a culture where art and artists are encouraged and appreciated -- and I think you can expect that this culture will grow and thrive in the years to come.

I don�t think I even have to mention that the work you�re doing also helps the economy of this city and region.

Every tourist who comes here to stay at the Hotel Murano, to visit the museums, to enjoy the other attractions in this city, spends money to help the economy.

Thank you Tacoma, and all of you here tonight, for doing so much to advance the arts in your city and in Washington.