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.