GODDARD Painting by Jim Covarrubias

The Goddard Got Art! political committee commissioned five Arizona artists to create works to help elect Terry Goddard the next Governor of Arizona.  Artists featured at this exhibition are Joanne Kerrihard, Jim Covarrubias, Marcus Deleon, Marianne Dissard and Shannon Cain.  They’ have produced paintings, videos and a performance piece.  The art selected was from a juried application process.

Terry Goddard’s long history of supporting the arts was the artist’s inspiration and motivation for their professional contributions . Goddard believes the arts are a critical piece of our economic recovery. Research has shown that places succeeding in attracting and retaining inventive and creative people prosper; those that don’t, fail. More than 50,000 Arizonans are professionally employed in the arts, and tens of thousands more work in related culture and tourism positions.

$300 million in revenue is generated annually by Phoenix-area nonprofit arts projects alone, but public funding for the arts from the state and local governments has decreased significantly. State arts funding now stands at 14 cents per capita; that is the same per capita funding that was available in 1976. He believes we need to reverse this trend now if Arizona is going to attract 21st century businesses – and the jobs they bring – to our state.

Studies have shown that cultural tourists seek what is interesting and authentic in the places they visit.  Arts and cultural activities encourage travelers to stay longer and spend more.  A growing number of visitors are special- interest travelers who rank the arts, heritage and/or other cultural activities as one of the top five reasons for traveling to specific destinations.  People come to Arizona to see what is authentic, including visits to our rural areas, state parks and the cultural centers of our Native American and Latino communities.

The Goddard Got Art! political committee invite the public to come see the unique art on exhibit that includes music, performance art, visual art and video art.  The public will have an opportunity to meet Terry Goddard at 5:30.

Date of Exhibiton: Saturday, October 9

Hours: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Music and Performances. (Displays open until 10:00 PM)

LOCATION: ONE East Congress ( formerly Centro Lounge)

For more information: http://www.facebook.com/people/Goddard-Got-Art/100001467502302