Presenter
Presented by Mr. Peduto
Body
WHEREAS, Gateway to the Arts has transformed the lives of children in Western Pennsylvania by bringing arts experiences that include all the arts disciplines: music, dance, theater and the visual arts, presented by over 100 professional artists, to millions of students for the past forty-eight years; and
WHEREAS, exposing children at a young age to the arts teaches tolerance, critical thinking skills, promotes self- esteem and establishes an outlet for children to express themselves creatively; and
WHEREAS; originally established in 1957 as Gateway to Music, Gateway to the Arts was reborn in 1997 upon merging with the Pittsburgh Fund for Arts Education, and has grown from a string quartet performing in Pittsburgh public schools to school programs, artist residencies and in-services for teachers that annually reach approximately 120,000 students and educators in 250 schools throughout 14 counties of western Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, the Founding President of the Board of Directors, President for 30 years, and currently, revered and trusted advisor to Gateway to the Arts is William Block Sr., under whose watch the organization has expanded to the pre-eminent, full service force for arts education in this region; and
WHEREAS, a gala evening called Young at Art will be held on Thursday, May 19, 2005 at the Warhol to celebrate the work of Gateway to the Arts and pay tribute to Founding Father William Block Sr.
Title
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh salutes Gateway to the Arts and William Block Sr. for expanding the horizon of so many of Pittsburgh's children, so well; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh declares May 19, 2005 "Bill Block Sr. Day" in the City of Pittsburgh.