GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 1997

Simple 
S	Resolution 
Adopted 
SENATE RESOLUTION 416
Adopted 3/26/97

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Sponsors: Senators Kerr, Horton; Albertson, Allran, Ballance, Ballantine, Basnight, Blust, Carpenter, Carrington, Clark, Cochrane, Cooper, Dannelly, Forrester, Foxx, Jenkins, Kinnaird, Ledbetter, Lee, Martin of Pitt, Martin of Guilford, Page, Perdue, Phillips, Plyler, Rand, Shaw of Cumberland, Shaw of Guilford, Soles, Warren, Wellons, and Winner.

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Referred to:  Rules and Operations of the Senate.

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March 18, 1997

A SENATE RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NORTH CAROLINA MUSEUM OF ART.
Whereas, during the final hours of the 1947 General Assembly, a bill was passed on April 5, 1947, providing for the acquisition, preservation, and exhibition of art for the people of the State of North Carolina; and
Whereas, the 1947 act appropriated $1 million for the purchase of old master paintings, provided that the appropriation would be matched with $1 million; and
Whereas, North Carolina was the first state in the nation to set aside funds for a public art collection; and
Whereas, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation agreed to match the State appropriation with 71 paintings and sculptures, far exceeding the State's required match of $1 million; and
Whereas, the North Carolina Museum of Art is considered to have the most important old master painting collection in the Southeastern United States; and
Whereas, since its opening in 1956, more than 5.2 million State residents and tourists have enjoyed the Museum and its art collection; and
Whereas, the Museum's collection, educational programs, and special projects, publications, and endeavors continue to receive the highest national and international praise; and
Whereas, new landscaping, sculpture, and lighting and the recent addition of the Museum Park Theater have greatly enhanced the Museum as an important landmark for the City of Raleigh, Wake County, the Triangle area, and the entire State;
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Senate:
Section 1.  The Senate wishes to observe the fiftieth anniversary of the North Carolina Museum of Art and to recognize and thank the trustees, volunteers, and staff who have contributed to the development of this distinguished institution.  The Senate further invites the citizens of this State to join them in supporting and participating in activities commemorating the Museum's fiftieth anniversary.
Section 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art and to the Secretary of the Department of Cultural Resources.
Section 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.