ENROLLED SENATE
RESOLUTION NO. 90	By:	Bingman, Aldridge, Allen, Anderson, Ballenger, Barrington, Bass, Boggs, Branan, Brecheen, Brinkley, Brooks, Brown, Burrage, Coates, Crain, Dahm, David, Ellis, Fields, Ford, Garrison, Griffin, Halligan, Holt, Ivester, Johnson (Constance), Johnson (Rob), Jolley, Justice, Loveless, Marlatt, Mazzei, McAffrey, Newberry, Paddack, Schulz, Sharp, Shaw, Shortey, Shumate, Simpson, Sparks, Standridge, Stanislawski, Sykes, Treat and Wyrick

A Resolution expressing gratitude to Senator Charles Ford for his efforts to create a collection of artwork telling the story of Oklahoma's history and those who played key roles in shaping the state's identity; and directing distribution.

WHEREAS, for twenty-four years Charles Ford served the citizens of District 25 in the Oklahoma State Senate and previously served fourteen years in the House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, in addition to fulfilling his legislative responsibilities, Senator Ford became an advocate for the restoration and historic preservation of the Capitol Building, including the Senate Chamber which was completed in 1994, as well as other restoration projects throughout the building; and

WHEREAS, in 1997, Charles Ford, noticing the lack of artwork in the Senate lounge, commissioned an Oklahoma artist to paint a historic event from his district.  He chose a vignette out of Washington Irving's book "Tour on the Prairies."  The painting was dedicated in 1998; and

WHEREAS, Charles Ford created a 501(c)(3) foundation, the Oklahoma State Senate Preservation Fund, Inc., and raised additional funds to commission Oklahoma artists to create paintings and sculptures depicting important events, places and individuals in Oklahoma history; and

WHEREAS, in 2003, the Senate Art Collection was featured in the book "Art Treasures of the Oklahoma State Capitol."  By May of 2014, the Oklahoma State Senate Preservation Fund, Inc., had provided funding for more than 150 works of art which are now located throughout the Capitol, funded through private donations.  Pieces from the collection were displayed in an exhibition at Tulsa's Gilcrease Museum in 2009; and during the 2014 interim, several pieces will be on loan to the Oklahoma State University Museum of Art for an exhibition entitled Framing History: Highlights from the Oklahoma State Capitol Senate Collection; and

WHEREAS, Senator Charles Ford was term-limited in 2004, but continued his work with the Senate Preservation Fund, Inc., and assisted in continued historical restoration efforts in the Capitol.  Through the efforts of Charles Ford, the Oklahoma State Senate Preservation Fund, Inc., numerous contributors and talented Oklahoma artists, the Capitol is now home to an outstanding art collection which has helped bring Oklahoma history to life for countless visitors, and will continue to do so for generations to come.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE 2ND SESSION OF THE 54TH OKLAHOMA LEGISLATURE:

THAT the Oklahoma State Senate, on behalf of all citizens of this state, expresses its gratitude to Senator Charles Ford, President and founder of the Oklahoma State Senate Historical Preservation Fund, Inc.

THAT a copy of this resolution be distributed to Senator Charles Ford.

Adopted by the Senate the 14th day of May, 2014.

	
	Presiding Officer of the Senate

OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY OF STATE
Received by the Office of the Secretary of State this __________ day of __________________, 20 _______, at _______ o'clock _______ M.
By: _________________________________