Honor Local Arts Hero

Senate Resolution No. 2468 BY: Senator JACOBS HONORING Rita Argen Auerbach upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Unsung Hero award by the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to those individuals of artistic significance whose creative talents have contributed to the cultural enrichment of our communities and our Nation; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Rita Argen Auerbach upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Unsung Hero award by the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York feted at its 4th Annual Spark Cultural Awards Party, "Celebrating Those Who Ignite Arts & Culture" on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at the Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center in Buffalo, New York; and WHEREAS, Arts Services Initiative of Western New York (ASI) promotes the cultural sector's vital role in economic development and the community through capacity building, collaboration, and advocacy in Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany Counties; and WHEREAS, A highly regarded and respected artist, Rita Argen Auerbach has served as art educator, volunteer/patron of the arts, and leader in various cultural organizations in Western New York; and WHEREAS, Rita Argen Auerbach is considered to be one of Buffalo's most iconic artists and her influence and involvement in so many areas of the arts community has greatly benefitted thousands of residents in not only Western New York, but the entire nation; and WHEREAS, Rita Argen Auerbach's extraordinary career was recognized with three simultaneous exhibitions of her work at the Kenan Center, Meibohm Fine Arts, and Studio Hart; and WHEREAS, Working primarily in watercolor, Rita Argen Auerbach manipulates shape, form, texture, value, and color to make a strong personal statement resulting in bountiful luminous effects using transparent paint; and WHEREAS, This talented woman is inspired by the way light transforms the world around her, whether it is architecture, landscape or still life; light, so much a part of nature, creates endless possibilities and presents her with the freedom to express and interpret that beauty in her paintings; and WHEREAS, Dedicated to her community, Rita Argen Auerbach has been instrumental in implementing numerous private and public initiatives; she has held the title of Vice President of the Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society, President of the Buffalo Society of Artists and a participant of the Buffalo Arts Studio, Big Orbit Gallery, and the Roswell Park Cancer Institute Art Alliance; and WHEREAS, In addition, Rita Argen Auerbach serves as the co-Chair of the Advisory Council and Trustee at the Burchfield Penney Art Center, and is an active member of the Buffalo State College Alumni Board of Directors, and Trustee of the Buffalo Society of Artists; and WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts of our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to everyone who patronizes the arts; and as we celebrate the arts, we celebrate and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in which artists can truly create and in which art is truly the expression of the soul; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Rita Argen Auerbach upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of the Unsung Hero award by the Arts Services Initiative of Western New York; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Rita Argen Auerbach.