82R7915 JGH-D
By: Gallego H.R. No. 493
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering is celebrating its
25th anniversary from February 25 through 27, 2011, on the campus of
Sul Ross State University in Alpine; and
WHEREAS, This annual event brings together talented
performers to present the poetry, stories, and music of the working
cowboy; it was founded in 1986 by Sul Ross literature professor Dr.
Barbara "Barney" Nelson, a widely published poet, photographer, and
essayist whose books include an anthology of cowboy poetry called
Here's to the Vinegarroon!; and
WHEREAS, After attending the first Cowboy Poetry Gathering in
Elko, Nevada, in 1985, Professor Nelson was inspired to create
something similar on the Sul Ross campus; she collaborated with
Gary Dunshee, who created the companion event, Trappings of Texas,
an exhibit of cowboy gear and western art that benefits the Museum
of the Big Bend; together, the Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering and
Trappings of Texas have become important local and regional events,
and their shared anniversary is being commemorated with the 25th
Silver Celebration and Dance, featuring country musician David
Ball; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to the vision of Dr. Barney Nelson, the Texas
Cowboy Poetry Gathering has showcased a unique oral tradition for a
quarter of a century, and in so doing, it is helping to ensure that
the culture of the working cowboy is appreciated by today's
generation of Texans; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Dr. Barney Nelson on the occasion
of the 25th annual Texas Cowboy Poetry Gathering in Alpine and
extend to all those associated with the event sincere best wishes
for an entertaining and memorable anniversary weekend; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Dr. Nelson as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.