By: Bivins, et al. S.C.R. No. 41 2001S0362/1 1-1 SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 1-2 WHEREAS, The contributions which the arts make to any 1-3 civilization are incalculable, and the study of the arts is one of 1-4 the privileges of a learned society; and 1-5 WHEREAS, For the first time, the State of Texas is formally 1-6 honoring its artists, arts educators, corporations, and patrons who 1-7 support the arts at the Texas Medal of Arts Awards on March 20, 1-8 2001; and 1-9 WHEREAS, By honoring its homegrown talent, Texas hopes to 1-10 raise awareness and funding for arts education and other arts 1-11 programs throughout the state; and 1-12 WHEREAS, The individuals and groups honored are: pianist Van 1-13 Cliburn for lifetime achievement; Tommy Lee Jones for film; Willie 1-14 Nelson for music; Debbie Allen for dance; Neil Hess for theater; 1-15 Horton Foote for literary arts; Flaco Jimenez and Santiago Jimenez, 1-16 Jr., for folk arts; Wayne Bell for architecture; Gilberto Zepeda, 1-17 Jr., for arts education; Jack Blanton for individual arts patron; 1-18 SBC Communications, Incorporated, for corporate arts patron; the 1-19 Meadows Foundation for foundation arts patron; and a posthumous 1-20 award for John T. Biggers for visual arts; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Their genius has garnered for them the admiration 1-22 and esteem of their colleagues; and 1-23 WHEREAS, Works of art can immortalize the spirit of the age 1-24 and the cultural heritage by which they were inspired, and 2-1 exceptional artistry can preserve a culture for generations; Texans 2-2 are proud to have their rich and distinct way of life reflected in 2-3 the work of these exceptional artists; now, therefore, be it 2-4 RESOLVED, That the 77th Legislature of the State of Texas 2-5 hereby commend and applaud all the individuals and groups who have 2-6 received the Texas Medal of Arts Award as well as corporations and 2-7 patrons who support the arts for the Texas Medal of Arts Awards; 2-8 and, be it further 2-9 RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared as a 2-10 memento of this memorable occasion.