86R10556 BPG-D

By: Murr H.R. No. 410

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Hill Country Arts Foundation of Ingram is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2019; and

WHEREAS, In 1959, a small group of artists established HCAF to meet the region's need for a place dedicated to arts education, exhibition, and performance; the foundation occupies 13 acres at the convergence of the Guadalupe River and Johnson Creek, which has given rise to the nickname "The Point"; and

WHEREAS, HCAF facilities include an art gallery overlooking the creek, as well as three art instruction studios, a printmaking studio, a ceramics studio with four kilns, an indoor theater, and a 500-seat amphitheater that is considered the state's oldest continuously operating outdoor theater; the site has also served as home to the Texas Tourist Development Agency's Texas Arts and Crafts Fair since 1972; in addition, the grounds feature the art installation "Stonehenge II," which has become a popular tourist destination; and

WHEREAS, HCAF offers children and adults opportunities to explore and showcase their creativity in a variety of classes, workshops, camps, stage productions, and exhibitions; each year, the foundation welcomes more than 20,000 patrons, and university students from across the country participate in its summer internship program; and

WHEREAS, For six decades, the Hill Country Arts Foundation has contributed to the vibrancy of the region's cultural scene, and in so doing, it has enriched the lives of innumerable people; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Hill Country Arts Foundation on its 60th anniversary and extend to all those associated with this noteworthy organization sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further

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