Louisiana House Bill HCR107

Louisiana 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/28/19
• Engrossed: 5/28/19
• Passed: 5/31/19

Caption

Designates October first annually as Dr. Clementine Hunter Day in Louisiana

Impact

The designation of an annual day in Hunter's honor serves to elevate her story and works, potentially fostering a greater appreciation for folk art within Louisiana and beyond. It aims to recognize the important cultural contributions of artists like Hunter who descend from historically marginalized backgrounds. This legislative move has wider implications for cultural preservation efforts in the state, as it underlines the relevance of recognizing local artists who depict the history, traditions, and struggles of their communities.

Summary

House Concurrent Resolution 107 designates October 1st of each year as 'Clementine Hunter Day' in Louisiana, celebrating the life and artistic legacy of the renowned folk artist. Born to a Creole family and having worked as a farm laborer, Hunter rose to prominence in her later years as a self-taught artist who documented the plantation life of the early 20th century through her paintings. This resolution honors her contributions to the cultural fabric of Louisiana and acknowledges her unique position in American art history as the only black folk artist who has created a significant body of work reflective of her community's experiences.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HCR 107 appears to be overwhelmingly positive, as it acknowledges and celebrates the legacy of a significant cultural figure. Legislators expressed pride in recognizing Hunter's contributions, treating the resolution as not only a form of recognition but as an opportunity to inspire and educate future generations about the importance of folk art and cultural history. The establishment of a dedicated day for remembrance and celebration fosters community engagement and cultural pride.

Contention

While the resolution is largely symbolic, it does reflect underlying themes of inclusion and recognition in the arts that some may find contentious. There may be debates around how much emphasis is placed on marginalized cultural figures versus mainstream artists, or questions of funding and support for such celebrations in a state that grapples with budget constraints. However, the specific resolution itself did not indicate significant public opposition or notable controversies.