0:00ANNOUNCER: “Art in Embassies” is the name of the program exhibiting American artists
0:04abroad and just such an exhibition was opened recently at the Residence of the U.S. Ambassador
0:08to Bulgaria. This exhibitions will be on view until the end of Ambassador Pardew’s term
0:12in Bulgaria.
0:12ANNOUNCER: Established in 1964 the “Art in Embassies program is a unique blend of politics
0:15and culture, of art and diplomacy. Its aim is to present and showcase the artistic merits
0:29of the people of the UNtied States. The exhibition under this program of the U.S. Department
0:37of State, currently being shown in the official residence of Amabssador James Pardewm, was
0:42curated by Kresta Tyler, who bases her choices on the color of the paintings of 14 American
0:47artists from teh beginning of the 19th Century until today. The most popular names among
0:54them are John Singer Sargent, Abraham Bogdanove, Annie Sykes and some of the more contemporary
1:01works by Wolf Kahn.
1:02ANNOUNCER: One of teh young artists being shown in the exhibition is Michelle Torrez,
1:07who is on an official visit to Bulgaria especially to participate in the opening of the permanent
1:17exhibition.
1:17MICHELLE TORREZ: I feel very honored and pleased to be a part of such a collection of good
1:24artists. These are people from whom I’ve learned and whom I admire. It is an honor for me to
1:31have my paintings in this exhibition. These works I think are the emanation of American
1:40culture. NOt each one individually, but taken all toghether as a whole.”
1:47ANNOUNCER: This is Michelle Torrez’s first visit not only to Bulgaria but also in an
1:53Eastern European country.
1:54MICHELLE TORREZ: I’m so impressed with the students from teh Art High School and from
2:02teh Art Academy here, by the level of their work and by their abilities. After what I
2:06saw I feel humbled! I would like this visit of mine to have a continuation, to be the
2:13beginning of a cultural exchange.
2:14ANNOUNCER: And this reminds us that great nations write their autobiographies in three
2:21manuscripts – a Book of Deeds, a Book of Words, and a Book of Art. We cannot understand any
2:28of these books without reading the other two. But the only one, which merits our confidence
2:29is the last one.