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79S31099 JNC-D
By: McClendon H.R. No. 305
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, An appreciation and a mastery of the arts are among
the greatest joys to experience, and by fostering these worthwhile
attributes in young people, the Artists-in-the-Making after-school
program has distinguished itself as a project worthy of
recognition; and
WHEREAS, Childhood is the time to develop interests, skills,
and aptitudes that will last a lifetime; through meaningful art
activities, children develop initiative, creative ability,
self-evaluation skills, discipline, and a heightened awareness of
their environment; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1999 at the Ella Austin Community
Center in San Antonio, the program aims to provide a positive outlet
for self-expression and an alternative to the temptation of
juvenile delinquency, tap into the talent of disadvantaged
low-income youth, encourage local artists to share their skills
with the Eastside community, and promote an interest in art
throughout San Antonio; and
WHEREAS, Artists-in-the-Making offers four different art
mediums: mixed media, ceramics, drawing, and painting; classes are
free and participants range in age from 7 to 16; and
WHEREAS, In 2005, students in the program completed a mural
entitled Texas-Born Musicians; this impressive 24-by-14-foot work
employs ceramic tile to celebrate native Lone Star musicians who
have made a lasting mark, including Selena, Willie Nelson, Ornette
Coleman, and Buddy Holly, to name a few; the mural stands in the
city's historic Sunset Station, and generations of Texans will
surely enjoy its timeless images; and
WHEREAS, In addition to Texas-Born Musicians, students have
also contributed to The House That Ella Built: Mrs. Austin
Remembered, a reproduction of the turn-of-the-century homestead
once occupied by Ella Austin, a local woman who, together with her
husband, made a home for homeless African American children in San
Antonio; under the able guidance of director Gary Lett, program
participants re-created household artifacts and copied paintings
of major historic sites around the San Antonio area to adorn the
walls of this distinctive model; and
WHEREAS, By promoting in young people an awareness of their
own creative gifts and an appreciation for the arts, the
Artists-in-the-Making program enriches the life of the community
and teaches important life lessons, even as it opens new vistas of
possibility and opportunity in the hearts of youth; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas
Legislature, 3rd Called Session, hereby commend the
Artists-in-the-Making program for its worthwhile endeavors and
extend to all those involved with this outstanding initiative
sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the program as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.