HLS 12RS-2541 ORIGINAL
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Regular Session, 2012
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON NO. 80
BY REPRESENTATIVES BROSSETT, BADON, BARROW, WESLEY BISHOP, DIXON,
LEGER, MORENO, NORTON, AND SMITH AND SENATORS MORRELL,
MURRAY, AND PETERSON
CONDOLENCES: Expresses condolences upon the death of Elizabeth Catlett, former chair
of the art department at Dillard University in New Orleans and internationally
renowned artist
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTI ON1
To express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Elizabeth Catlett, the former2
chair of the art department at Dillard University in New Orleans and an3
internationally renowned artist.4
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the members of the5
Legislature of Louisiana have learned of the death of Elizabeth Catlett on Monday, February6
27, 2012, at the age of ninety-six; and7
WHEREAS, born on April 15, 1915, in Washington, D.C., Elizabeth Catlett8
graduated cum laude from Howard University in 1935 and earned a master of fine arts9
degree from the University of Iowa; and10
WHEREAS, after graduate school, Ms. Catlett moved to New Orleans, where she11
became the chair of the art department at Dillard University in 1940 and resided in the12
French Quarter; and13
WHEREAS, after leaving New Orleans in 1942, Ms. Catlett spent several years14
teaching in New York, and in 1945, she moved to Mexico, where she lived for the remainder15
of her life as an extraordinary teacher and artist; and16
WHEREAS, though she only lived in New Orleans for a short time, Ms. Catlett had17
a long and lasting impact on the city; in 1975, she was commissioned to design the ten-foot-18
tall bronze statue of Louis Armstrong for Armstrong Park, in 2000, she designed the Congo19 HLS 12RS-2541 ORIGINAL
HCR NO. 80
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Square poster for the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, and in 2010, her sculpture of1
Mahalia Jackson was inaugurated in Treme, not far from her Armstrong sculpture; and2
WHEREAS, Ms. Catlett is beloved for her art not only in New Orleans but3
throughout Louisiana, the United States, and the world, where her work is exhibited from4
New York and Atlanta to Mexico City and Prague; and5
WHEREAS, Ms. Catlett's work will remain an inspiration for its unique exploration6
of the African American experience and the struggle for civil rights; and7
WHEREAS, Ms. Catlett was preceded in death by her husband, Francisco Mora, and8
is survived by three sons, Francisco, Juan, and David Mora Catlett, ten grandchildren, and9
six great-grandchildren; and10
WHEREAS, although the death of Elizabeth Catlett has created a tremendous void,11
her legacy shall continue to be a source of deep pride for all who knew and loved her,12
including the people of New Orleans, who will forever cherish the indelible mark she left13
on the Crescent City.14
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Legislature of Louisiana does hereby15
express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of Elizabeth Catlett, the former16
chair of the art department at Dillard University in New Orleans and an internationally17
renowned artist, and does hereby recognize and record for posterity the special place she18
holds in the annals of art history in the city of New Orleans and throughout the world.19
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a suitable copy of this Resolution be transmitted20
to the family of Elizabeth Catlett.21
DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part
of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute
part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
Brossett HCR No. 80
Expresses condolences upon the death of Elizabeth Catlett, former chair of the art
department at Dillard University in New Orleans and internationally renowned artist.