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.