82R7915 JGH-D

By: Gallego H.R. No. 493

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering is celebrating its 25th anniversary from February 25 through 27, 2011, on the campus of Sul Ross State University in Alpine; and

WHEREAS, This annual event brings together talented performers to present the poetry, stories, and music of the working cowboy; it was founded in 1986 by Sul Ross literature professor Dr. Barbara "Barney" Nelson, a widely published poet, photographer, and essayist whose books include an anthology of cowboy poetry called Here's to the Vinegarroon!; and

WHEREAS, After attending the first Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Elko, Nevada, in 1985, Professor Nelson was inspired to create something similar on the Sul Ross campus; she collaborated with Gary Dunshee, who created the companion event, Trappings of Texas, an exhibit of cowboy gear and western art that benefits the Museum of the Big Bend; together, the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering and Trappings of Texas have become important local and regional events, and their shared anniversary is being commemorated with the 25th Silver Celebration and Dance, featuring country musician David Ball; and

WHEREAS, Thanks to the vision of Dr. Barney Nelson, the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering has showcased a unique oral tradition for a quarter of a century, and in so doing, it is helping to ensure that the culture of the working cowboy is appreciated by today's generation of Texans; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Barney Nelson on the occasion of the 25th annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Alpine and extend to all those associated with the event sincere best wishes for an entertaining and memorable anniversary weekend; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Dr. Nelson as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.