SENATE MEMORIAL 1

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

INTRODUCED BY

Pete Campos

A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE IMPORTANCE OF NEW MEXICO ARTISTS.

     WHEREAS, New Mexico has been recognized worldwide as a mecca for arts and culture longer than it has been a state in the union, thanks to the fantastic abilities of its artists and cultures; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico is home to countless generations of artists spanning myriad styles, formats and media; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico provides large and unique marketplaces for selling Hispanic and indigenous goods and crafts; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's beautiful and diverse landscapes provide for enchanting imagery through paintings, photography and drawings and even for the plain eye to view; and

     WHEREAS, the songs of New Mexico vary in genre and language, including Spanish, English and a variety of indigenous languages, and are composed using instruments and techniques of various cultures; and

     WHEREAS, long-standing artistic traditions in New Mexico have been inclusive of artists of all ages and genders, particularly of women and children; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico master craftsmen and women are famous throughout the western hemisphere for their southwestern style of furnishings and decorations; and

     WHEREAS, New Mexico's adobe structures provide not only places to live but are a traditional and cultural signature, using local resources effectively and artistically; and

     WHEREAS, the use of natural materials, such as character rock, turquoise and native woods, makes for unique pieces of art crafted in New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, famous artists with New Mexico roots include author Rudolfo Anaya; godfather of New Mexico music Alberto Nelson Sanchez; and designer Bruce Erickson, among other talented artists; and

     WHEREAS, the arts are so important to New Mexico that several of its towns have at some point been labeled as artists' villages; and

     WHEREAS, the state capitol is home to a multimillion dollar collection of art made exclusively by New Mexico artists;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that New Mexico artists be recognized for their skills and the benefits that they bring to the state.

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