The Creative Coalition hosts Art and Soul: Celebration of the American Spirit

The open chambers of the Library of Congress' Thomas Jefferson Building

Lawmakers and celebrities gathered at the Library of Congress Thursday night for a gala evening hosted by the Creative Coalition.

The “Art and Soul: Celebration of the American Spirit” event honored the digital archives the library contains -- including radio broadcasts, musical pieces, television shows and movies.

During the program actors Tim Daly and Dana Delany give Librarian of Congress Dr. James Billington the group’s spotlight award.

And actors Cheryl Hines and Steven Weber talked about the history of television. The two performed a skit, playing a married couple who bought their first TV. In it a bit that drew several laughs from the audience, Weber talked about the advent of the 24-hour news channel. In a not-so-indirect shot at Fox News Channel, Hines asked: “Is it fair and balanced?” Weber replied: “They report, you decide.”

The audience laughed even harder when Hines inquired: “Will there ever be enough news to fill up 24 hours?” “Not even close,” Weber responded. “They’re going to hire lots and lots of pundits to tell us what to think.”

Several members of Congress were in the crowd, including Rep. Dan Lungren (R-Calif.), who sits on the library’s board. He said he came because his daughter Kathleen wanted to attend.

Retiring Rep. Vic Snyder (D-Ark.) was also there. He joked that “my goal was to meet Dana Delany so I could get a movie deal. I don’t even have job when this year is over.”

But the most surprising moment of the evening for Snyder was when he spied fellow lawmaker, Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.), sitting on a couch and reading a book. “He was reading a book in the Library of Congress,” Snyder marveled. “Dana Delany walked by and he didn’t even notice.”
 
— Report by Emily Goodin and photographs by James R. Brantley

Newsweek Senior White House Correspondent Howard Fineman

Creative Coalition CEO Robin Bronk

Creative Coalition Co-President Dana Delany

Steven Weber, photographer Brian Smith, Creative Coalition Co-President Tim Daly

Cheryl Hines

Gloria Reuben

Model Emme with handbag designer and woman behind the Maxx New York label Cherie Christmas

Adrian Grenier

Wendie Malick

Patricia Arquette

Creative Coalition Co-President Tim Daly

Richard Schiff

CCH Pounder

Photographer Brian Smith and Adrian Grenier

Omar Epps

Marlon Wayans

Steve Weber and Creative Coalition Co-President Tim Daly share a moment.

Adrian Grenier speaks with the media