By Hunter H.C.R. No. 178 77R7749 MW-F HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-1 WHEREAS, The contributions that the arts make to any 1-2 civilization are incalculable, and the study of the arts is one of 1-3 the privileges of a learned society; and 1-4 WHEREAS, For the first time, the State of Texas is formally 1-5 honoring its artists, arts educators, corporations, and patrons who 1-6 support the arts at the Texas Medal of Arts Awards on March 20, 1-7 2001; and 1-8 WHEREAS, By honoring its homegrown talent, Texas hopes to 1-9 raise awareness and funding for arts education and other arts 1-10 programs throughout the state; and 1-11 WHEREAS, The individuals and groups honored are: pianist Van 1-12 Cliburn for lifetime achievement; Tommy Lee Jones for film; Willie 1-13 Nelson for music; Debbie Allen for dance; Neil Hess for theater; 1-14 Horton Foote for literary arts; Flaco Jimenez and Santiago Jimenez, 1-15 Jr., for folk arts; Wayne Bell for architecture; Gilberto Zepeda, 1-16 Jr., for arts education; Jack Blanton for individual arts patron; 1-17 SBC Communications, Incorporated, for corporate arts patron; the 1-18 Meadows Foundation for foundation arts patron; and a posthumous 1-19 award for John T. Biggers for visual arts; and 1-20 WHEREAS, Their genius has garnered for them the admiration 1-21 and esteem of their colleagues; and 1-22 WHEREAS, Works of art can immortalize the spirit of the age 1-23 and the cultural heritage by which they were inspired, and 1-24 exceptional artistry can preserve a culture for generations; Texans 2-1 are proud to have their rich and distinct way of life reflected in 2-2 the work of these exceptional artists; now, therefore, be it 2-3 RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-4 hereby commend and applaud all the individuals and groups who have 2-5 received the Texas Medal of Arts Award as well as corporations and 2-6 patrons who support the arts for the Texas Medal of Arts Awards; 2-7 and, be it further 2-8 RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be 2-9 prepared as a memento of this memorable occasion.