SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 387
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes great pride
in recognizing the honorees of the 2011 Texas Medal of Arts
Awards; and
WHEREAS, The honorees were selected by the Texas Cultural
Trust for their outstanding talents and for their exceptional
contributions to the artistic disciplines in the Lone Star State;
the arts enrich and broaden the lives of our citizens, and each of
these honorees has played a significant role in that capacity;
and
WHEREAS, Barbara Smith Conrad, a mezzo-soprano of
international fame and a civil rights icon, received the Lifetime
Achievement award; Robert M. Edsel, an author and the founder of
the Monuments Men Foundation for the Preservation of Art,
received the Literary award; Thomas F. Staley, a renowned
educator and the director of the Harry Ransom Center at The
University of Texas at Austin, received the Art Education award;
and James Drake, an internationally acclaimed artist with works
in the permanent collections of over 30 museums around the world,
received the Visual Arts award; and
WHEREAS, The Alley Theatre, an internationally recognized
company and a recipient of the Tony Award, received the Theatre
award; H-E-B, a major grocer with stores throughout the state and
a longtime supporter of the arts in Texas, received the Corporate
award; Bob Schieffer, longtime CBS news anchor and chief
Washington correspondent, received the Television award; and Ray Benson,
the nine-time Grammy-winning front man of the Western swing band Asleep
at the Wheel, received the Multi-Media award; and
WHEREAS, Ernest and Sarah Butler, major donors to numerous
local arts organizations and to The University of Texas at Austin
School of Music, received the Individual Patrons award; Marcia Gay Harden,
the Oscar-winning actress with roles in such films as Pollock and
The First Wives Club, received the Film-Actress award; Bill Paxton,
the four-time Golden Globe nominee and a star in the hit series
Big Love and in Apollo 13 and Titanic, received the Film-Actor
award; and ZZ Top, the legendary rock band that has sold over 50
million albums worldwide with eight Top 40 hits, received the
Music award; and
WHEREAS, These honorees have contributed greatly to the
rich cultural heritage of our state, and they have the deep
admiration and esteem of citizens across our state; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd
Legislature, hereby commend the recipients of the 2011 Texas
Medal of Arts Awards on their outstanding achievements and their
dedication to the advancement of the arts in Texas; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
their honor and as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Seliger
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 28, 2011.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate