Honor Arts Institute Centennial

Senate Resolution No. 2317 BY: Senator GRIFFO COMMENDING the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary on September 17, 2019 WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to call attention to organizations that devote their time and energies to the cultural enrichment of the Empire State; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute upon the occasion of its 100th Anniversary to be celebrated at an event at its campus in Utica, New York, on Tuesday, September 17, 2019; and WHEREAS, Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute (MWPAI) was chartered on September 17, 1919, and was named in honor of its founders who established it as a legacy for their community; throughout the last century, it has created transformational arts experiences which have cultivated curiosity and creativity, enlightened, educated and inspired; each year, nearly 150,000 people attend more than 800 programs and events such as exhibitions, concerts, art classes, and the PrattMWP College of Art and Design; and WHEREAS, MWPAI's impact on the greater Mohawk Valley is strengthened by more than 50 community collaborations, and an estimated $20.8 million in economic activity in downtown Utica and the surrounding area; summer exhibitions have drawn as many as 24,000 people from eight countries and

48 states; and WHEREAS, Since its inception, this exceptional fine arts center has been dedicated to serving diverse audiences by advancing the appreciation, understanding, and enjoyment of the arts; under the luminous leadership of President and CEO Anna Tobin D'Ambrosio, MWPAI continuously strives to promote interest and participation in the arts and stimulate artistic self-expression and personal creativity; and WHEREAS, The success of the MWPAI is in direct correlation to the efforts of its staff, whose involvement is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment, an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in all endeavors on behalf of the institution and the community it serves; and WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the importance of the performing arts, which act to inspire, enlighten, and unify people from all cultural backgrounds through the transcendent power of human expression; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to commend the Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute upon the occasion of celebrating its 100th Anniversary on September 17, 2019; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to Anna Tobin D'Ambrosio, President and CEO, Munson-Willams-Proctor Arts Institute.