Title
Subject: Mary Marx
From: Vice Mayor Nadel
Recommendation: Adopt a Resolution honoring in appreciation of Mary Marx, Executive Director, Museum of Children's' Art
Body
WHEREAS, Mary Marx founded the Museum of Children's Art (MOCHA) in 1988 and since then the
organization has grown to serve over 18,000 children annually through its education, community, and on-site
programs; and
WHEREAS, the mission of MOCHA, created under Mary Marx's leadership, is to ensure that the arts
are a fundamental part of the lives of all children; and
WHEREAS, Mary Marx's advocacy has resulted in the creation and implementation of quality and
developmentally appropriate arts education programs throughout the City of Oakland in its schools, community
centers and in its studios and galleries; and
WHEREAS, Mary Marx led a capital campaign to permanently house MOCHA in the historic Swan's
Marketplace in Old Oakland, where gallery space and art classes enhance the quality of life for Oakland
children and their families; and
WHEREAS, Mary Marx was visionary in her ability to bring together the best of arts, arts education,
and youth development practices and under her leadership MOCHA has become a leader in arts and art
education in the East Bay; and
WHEREAS, after fourteen years of service as MOCHA's leader and a leader in the art community of
this city, Mary Marx will leave the organization to relocate to Florida; now therefore be it
RESOLVED, the City of Oakland commends Mary Marx for her fourteen years of work dedicated to
providing a place where Oakland children can express and develop their creativity; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, in recognition of the outstanding contribution by Mary Marx to the children
of Oakland, the City Council hereby declares July 15 to be Mary Marx Day in the City of Oakland, and
encourages the people of Oakland to take time during this day and throughout the year to help children
incorporate art into their lives....
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