PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Karen Loew, Chair of Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP) Committee at Salmagundi Club
1:16:02
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3 min
Karen Loew presented testimony about the Coast Guard Art Program (COGAP) and its role in honoring Coast Guard service members through art. She highlighted the program's collaboration with the Salmagundi Club and its efforts to increase public awareness of military service through art exhibitions.
- COGAP, co-sponsored by Salmagundi Club and the U.S. Coast Guard since 1981, creates art to showcase Coast Guard missions and training.
- The program organizes exhibitions at various venues, including Salmagundi Club, Federal Hall National Memorial, and Coast Guard Headquarters.
- Loew also mentioned Salmagundi Club's support for military veterans' art exhibitions, emphasizing the importance of giving veterans a platform to be seen and heard.
Karen Loew
1:16:02
Good afternoon.
1:16:03
Am I loud enough?
1:16:04
Good.
1:16:05
Thank you.
1:16:06
Good afternoon.
1:16:07
My name is Karen Lowe.
1:16:08
I am the chair of the Coast Guard Art Program Committee, otherwise known as COGAP if you like acronyms, at Salmagundi Club where I am an artist member and serve on the board of directors.
1:16:19
Co Gap has been cosponsored by Samagundi Club and the United States Coast Guard since 1981.
1:16:26
The club is one of the oldest art clubs in the United States and is located in Manhattan at 47 5th Avenue in a landmark brownstone in the village.
1:16:35
Created in 18/71 as a 501c3 organization by artists and patrons, its mission is to support one another and to encourage the advancement of art of all kinds.
1:16:47
We engage with the public with numerous programs centered around the arts.
1:16:51
Support of America's military veterans and Coast Guard has continued to be an important part of the club's legacy.
1:16:58
The main focus with COGAP is to highlight the 11 missions and extensive training of the Coast Guard through art.
1:17:05
The artists are all volunteers, giving of their time, talent, and generously donating the works of art.
1:17:12
We immortalize in our paintings and drawings those who serve our country in the United States Coast Guard.
1:17:18
Wherever COGAP art is exhibited, it serves to honor our service members and to educate the public.
1:17:25
Locally, the program has the support of the New York Council Navy League for the annual exception reception and acceptance ceremony at Samagundi Club, which helps widen our public outreach.
1:17:36
Coast Guard senior leadership attends this prestigious occasion where they accept the art on behalf of the Coast Guard and the country.
1:17:44
Following the exhibition at Salmagundi Club, the art is on view for approximately 2 months at Federal Hall National Memorial on Wall Street, where the steady flow of tourists assure an even wider audience.
1:17:56
COGAP has a national presence with more opportunities for public viewing.
1:18:00
Art is often exhibited in maritime museums, in government offices, and, of course, the Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington.
1:18:07
I'm also very proud of my COGAP committee's sponsorship of the military veterans art exhibition at Salmagundi Club.
1:18:14
We have brought into the spotlight both visual and performance art, increasing public awareness of the unique and very personal perspective on the impact of military life beyond active duty.
1:18:26
Salmagundi Club provides exhibition space and an impressive venue for the reception program.
1:18:32
We are most appreciative of the support of these popular veteran events, the New York City Department of Veterans Services, the Art Student League of New York, New York Commandery of the Naval Order of the United States, as well as the veterans community.
1:18:45
They all understand that our military veterans deserve to be seen, heard, and above all, valued.
1:18:56
All these opportunities for COGAP and military veterans are on view, increase the civic civilian public's awareness and hopefully appreciation of our military for all they do for all of us.
1:19:09
Thank you.
Robert Holden
1:19:10
Thank you, Karen.
