FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290

First Lady Lauds Missouri's Rich Artistic Venues, Resources

Mrs. Blunt to Participate in Missouri Citizens of the Arts Event

KANSAS CITY - First Lady Melanie Blunt who serves as honorary chair for the Missouri Citizens for the Arts is scheduled to attend the organization's Wine Tasting and Silent Auction where she will honor the Kansas City Ballet and Lyric Opera.

"I am hopeful that together we can encourage an expanded interest in the Arts and expose more Missourians to the wonders waiting to be discovered in museums and creative outlets around our state," said First Lady and Honorary Chair for Missouri Citizens for the Arts Mrs. Melanie Blunt. "It is really a wonderful gift that Missourians have so many opportunities to experience world-class art right in their backyards."

Gov. and Mrs. Blunt are strong advocates for the arts in Missouri. The governor directed funds from the Athletes and Entertainers Tax be distributed to cultural partners, including the Arts Council. His action assured that for the first time in three years, the organizations received funding from the tax. Blunt's support for funding of the arts in Missouri has led to a $7.2 million increase for the arts and is ensuring that funds from the Athletes and Entertainers tax are being spent on the purpose for which it was created.

Mrs. Blunt was chosen as the honorary chair for Missouri Citizens for the Arts because of her love and support for the arts. Founded in 1980, the group is the statewide organization that promotes Missouri's art industry to the public and private sectors. For information about the Missouri Citizens for the Arts visit http://www.missouricitizensforthearts.org/.

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