In these papers, Michelle Barnes writes two drafts of a speech. Draft one, page one, "I am michelle Barnes artists, co-founder of the CAC, a community-based arts organization deeply rooted in Houston's 3rd and committed to serving all people of Houston through the arts. Our artist directed organization encourages out of the studio into processes which can utilize their skills and for which they can earn not only a living but earn credibility and visibility by quality service they promote. Tied to a government which wants to be and should be supportive of the people who support people. tied to the children who need to see and experience the rights of life. The joys of thinking, learning, doing, creative. Happy to have this opportunity to share this time with my colleagues in the work of that we have to each other. NEA- of the people/ for the people. We are tied to each other as artists, art educators, art administrators. As people practicing, perfecting, and professionalizing the art of giving back to our city. We are supportive of the NEA as an agency of the people being supportive of the people who do the work in neighborhoods across the country." …

I am Michelle Barnes, Artist and co-founder of the Community Artists' Collective. We are deeply rooted in the heritage of Houston's 3rd Ward. We are deeply committed to serving all people of Houston though our art related work with individuals and other organizations across the city. It is good and I appreciate this opportunity to share this particular time and space m=with my colleagues in service to the people of our city and country to symbolize the ties we have with each other and many others across the nation working in our field of dreams and endeavor. We are tied to each other as artists, educators, administrators, mothers, fathers, and as people who vote, people who care. People who are practicing, perfecting, and professionalizing the art of giving back to our communities across the country. We want the National Endowment for the Arts. It must continue to be an agency of the people of America but the National Endowment for the arts must respect the people it serves. The Congress must let the NEA do the work it knows should be done.