By Chavez H.R. No. 755 75R13129 JTR-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Over the years the rich and varied cultural heritage 1-2 of the Lone Star State has produced a remarkable number of 1-3 distinguished artists, and El Paso painter and muralist Ernesto 1-4 Pedregon Martinez has upheld this proud tradition through his 1-5 moving and memorable artwork; and 1-6 WHEREAS, A native Texan, Mr. Martinez taught himself to paint 1-7 while growing up in the barrios of South El Paso, and he draws on 1-8 his own life experience to create his authentic and colorful 1-9 depictions of border life; and 1-10 WHEREAS, Mr. Martinez's work has been accorded international 1-11 acclaim, and his paintings have been exhibited in such prestigious 1-12 institutions as the Smithsonian National Museum, the Bronx Museum 1-13 of Art, the New England Fine Arts Institute, and Chicago's Field 1-14 Museum, as well as in Mexico City museums; and 1-15 WHEREAS, Truly an artist of the people, Mr. Martinez has 1-16 painted murals in locations as diverse as church altars and high 1-17 school cafeterias, and his themes are likewise often drawn from 1-18 everyday life; a number of his works depict military subjects, 1-19 reflecting both his own stature as a decorated veteran of World War 1-20 II and the larger contribution of Mexican-Americans to the service 1-21 of their country; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Mr. Martinez's commitment to his community extends 1-23 far beyond his artistic achievements, and he has given generously 1-24 of his time and energy to a number of worthwhile endeavors through 2-1 the years, lending his leadership abilities to such worthy 2-2 organizations as the Boy Scouts of America, the Knights of 2-3 Columbus, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and 2-4 the League of United Latin American Citizens; and 2-5 WHEREAS, Ernesto Pedregon Martinez has distinguished himself 2-6 as a gifted artist and as a vital and valued citizen of his 2-7 hometown, and his remarkable life and career are indeed worthy of 2-8 special praise and recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it 2-9 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 75th Texas 2-10 Legislature hereby honor Ernesto Pedregon Martinez for his many 2-11 noteworthy accomplishments and extend to him sincere best wishes 2-12 for continued success and happiness in the future; and, be it 2-13 further 2-14 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-15 prepared for Mr. Martinez as an expression of high regard by the 2-16 Texas House of Representatives.