HOUSE MEMORIAL 112

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2017

INTRODUCED BY

Brian Egolf and Linda M. Trujillo

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE HISTORY AND HERITAGE OF THE NEW MEXICO MUSEUM OF ART; CELEBRATING THE MUSEUM'S SINGULAR ROLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ARTS IN NEW MEXICO; REQUESTING THE GOVERNOR TO DECLARE NOVEMBER 25, 2017 "NEW MEXICO MUSEUM OF ART CENTENNIAL DAY" TO COMMEMORATE THE CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEW MEXICO MUSEUM OF ART.

     WHEREAS, in the early twentieth century, New Mexico museum of art founder Edgar Lee Hewett, patron Frank Springer and the state legislature had the foresight and vision to create a state-of-the-art museum dedicated to the visual arts in newly established New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the art gallery of the museum of New Mexico, now known as the New Mexico museum of art, was dedicated on November 25, 1917, and the construction of the museum illustrated a belief and understanding that the arts make a significant contribution to civic life; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico museum of art's ground-breaking open-door policy created a supportive environment for artists working in New Mexico, attracting artists to the state from around the country, and helped to make Santa Fe and New Mexico important cultural destinations; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico museum of art provided a venue and platform to expose the rich tradition of New Mexico arts and culture to the world; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico museum of art continues today to attract both artists and visitors to New Mexico, contributing to the national reputation of the state as a thriving arts center and serving as a key component of New Mexico's vibrant cultural economy and tourism industry; and

     WHEREAS, no state is more culturally rich than New Mexico, where the blending and cross-influence of Native American, Hispanic and European-based cultures have created a unique environment for art and artists, unlike anywhere else in the world; and

     WHEREAS, for nearly a century, the New Mexico museum of art and its St. Francis auditorium have been a gathering place for significant cultural, private and civic events, including the New Mexico governor's awards for excellence in the arts; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico museum of art's collections and exhibitions allow people in the state and from around the world to discover the richness of arts and culture New Mexico has to offer; and

     WHEREAS, the New Mexico museum of art's influence extends to its buildings, inspired by the Spanish mission churches in the Pueblos of Acoma, Laguna and San Felipe; and

     WHEREAS, this "new old Santa Fe style" is credited with introducing what has become known as pueblo revival architecture, for which New Mexico is now renowned;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the many contributions of the New Mexico museum of art to the development, preservation and appreciation of the arts in New Mexico be recognized; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the 2017 centennial anniversary of the New Mexico museum of art and its distinguished history be recognized and celebrated; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the governor be requested to declare November 25, 2017 "New Mexico Museum of Art Centennial Day" in New Mexico; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the governor and the secretary of cultural affairs.

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