By Telford H.R. No. 718 76R13239 WMS-D R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, Edd Hayes of Humble has been named Texas State 1-2 Artist in the three-dimensional category for 1998-1999, and this 1-3 honor is indeed well-deserved; and 1-4 WHEREAS, The committee based its decision on the merit of his 1-5 work, his history of life achievement, the degree to which his work 1-6 reflects the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Texas, critical 1-7 reviews or articles, letters of recommendation, and his record of 1-8 donation of artwork to the community or to charitable causes; and 1-9 WHEREAS, Formerly a rodeo competitor, Mr. Hayes visited the 1-10 Gilcrease Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1977 and was deeply moved 1-11 and inspired by the outstanding western American art collection 1-12 there; and 1-13 WHEREAS, He carefully studied the works of masters in the 1-14 western art field and drew on his own considerable talent to enter 1-15 the field himself, exhibiting his paintings and drawings for the 1-16 first time in 1979; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Two years later, this multifaceted artist applied 1-18 his abilities to sculpture; his initial work, that of a cowboy 1-19 complete with a saddle and rigging bag, sold out its edition of 15 1-20 bronzes and fostered his reputation as an artist of great ability; 1-21 and 1-22 WHEREAS, His sculptures are justly renowned for their 1-23 anatomical accuracy and breathtaking detail, and these sought-after 1-24 works are imbued with their creator's unique vision; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Although he has produced many fine table-sized 2-2 sculptures, Mr. Hayes is perhaps best known as the sculptor of such 2-3 remarkable pieces as The Champ, a 27-foot-tall bronze of Casey 2-4 Tibbs that resides at the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado 2-5 Springs, and the colossal bronze Wild and Free, depicting wild 2-6 horses that tower 150 feet in the air at the entrance to Astroarena 2-7 in Houston; and 2-8 WHEREAS, The featured sculptor for the Mid-America Waterfowl 2-9 Expo in Peoria, Illinois, last year, he was recently commissioned 2-10 to create a life-size sculpture of Mamie and Albert George for the 2-11 George Ranch Historical Park in Richmond, Texas, and he has a 2-12 number of his works on display at the George Bush Presidential 2-13 Library as well; and 2-14 WHEREAS, Mr. Hayes has long given generously of his time and 2-15 talent to benefit others; a dedicated volunteer for the Houston 2-16 Livestock Show and Rodeo, he has also been instrumental in 2-17 obtaining scholarships for young artists and has donated his works 2-18 to assist such worthy organizations as the Cystic Fibrosis 2-19 Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Sunshine Kids; and 2-20 WHEREAS, Edd Hayes is truly one of the Lone Star State's most 2-21 gifted sculptors; his talent and passion for artistic excellence 2-22 are reflected in his magnificent and unique creations, and it is 2-23 most appropriate that he be honored in light of this most recent 2-24 accolade; now, therefore, be it 2-25 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 76th Texas 2-26 Legislature hereby congratulate Edd Hayes on his selection as Texas 2-27 State Artist in the three-dimensional category for 1998-1999 and 3-1 extend to him sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it 3-2 further 3-3 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 3-4 prepared for Mr. Hayes as an expression of high regard by the Texas 3-5 House of Representatives.