Washington, DC - Rep. Bruce Braley (D-Iowa) issued a floor statement today congratulating Rose Frantzen on the premier of her exhibit, 'Portrait of Maquoketa', at the Smithsonian's National Portrait Gallery.
"I congratulate Ms. Rose Frantzen on this tremendous honor and recognition," Braley said. "Her exceptional skill is evident in each of the individual portraits. When placed side by side, the portraits are an inspiring interpretation of American life. The exhibit is an expression of the dignity of small-town Iowa, and the unique beauty of Maquoketa."
'Portrait of Maquoketa' is a compilation of 180 individual oil paintings of Maquoketa residents painted between the summers of 2005 and 2006. During this time, Frantzen opened her studio to anyone who wished to be painted, attracting a diverse collection of subjects. Frantzen conducted formal interviews and made audio recordings' of her clients' stories, ideas and beliefs.
Frantzen's exhibit, accompanied by samples of the audio recordings, will be on display at the National Portrait Gallery from November 2009 - July 2010.
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