SRC-BWC S.C.R. 26 77(R) BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research Center S.C.R. 26 2001S0469/1By: Lindsay Administration 3/7/2001 As Filed DIGEST A work of art can immortalize for all time the spirit of the age and the cultural heritage by which it was inspired. Recognizing artists by bestowing on them titles of honor is a long-standing practice and serves as an encouragement to other talented artists. Traditionally, a committee of the Texas Legislature has elected the Texas State Artist, appropriately honoring those Texans who have exhibited exceptional ability in portraying the beauty of this state, some facet of its history, or the proud spirit of its people. PURPOSE As proposed, S.C.R. 26 submits the following resolutions: That the 77th Texas Legislature hereby request the speaker of the house of representatives and the lieutenant governor to create a special committee to designate Texas State Artists in two categories of art to serve concurrently a term of one year. That one state artist be selected each year on the basis of achievements in two-dimensional media and one state artist be selected each year on the basis of achievements in three-dimensional media. That the committee designate a Texas State Artist in each category for the year beginning November 1, 2001, and ending October 31, 2002 and for the year beginning November 1, 2002, and ending October 31, 2003. That the special committee be named the Texas State Artist Committee and be composed of three members of the senate to be appointed by the lieutenant governor and three members of the house of representatives to be appointed by the speaker of the house. That the lieutenant governor and speaker of the house each designate a co-chair from among their appointees, and that the committee subsequently meet at the call of the co-chairs. That in the selection process, artists may be nominated by themselves or others, and they should designate their category of interest. That from the list of qualified nominees, the committee is to vote for their choice of Texas State Artist in each of the two categories. That the Texas Commission on the Arts assist the committee, to the degree it requests, especially in the area of publicizing the designation of Texas State Artist. That the persons designated as state artists be superior and recognized artists who are citizens of the State of Texas.