Bill Text: VA HJR1050 | 2017 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending William King Museum of Art.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 4-0)
Status: (Passed) 2017-02-24 - Bill text as passed House and Senate (HJ1050ER) [HJR1050 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2017-HJR1050-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, the William King Museum of Art in Abingdon is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the premier visual arts facility in the Abingdon, Bristol, and Tri-Cities region; and
WHEREAS, opened in 1992 and housed in a former high school built in 1913, the William King Museum of Art is an integral part of the cultural fabric of Southwest Virginia and a cherished destination for residents and visitors; and
WHEREAS, known as the "Jewel on the Hill," the William King Museum of Art offers outstanding fine world art, contemporary regional art, and cultural heritage exhibits; and
WHEREAS, the William King Museum of Art is named for an 18th-century entrepreneur and businessman from Ireland, who settled in Washington County and bequeathed his estate to benefit higher education and community life; and
WHEREAS, the William King Museum of Art was founded on the belief that a vibrant art scene is central to the vitality of a community, and today one of its important roles is enriching young lives through its extensive arts education programs; and
WHEREAS, the William King Museum of Art's VanGogh Outreach program gives children in second and third grades in 13 area school districts access to in-depth art classes; the highly acclaimed program reached more than 3,400 students in the past year, and there are plans to expand it into Tennessee and Kentucky; and
WHEREAS, the William King Museum of Art also provides outstanding educational opportunities for adults, such as artist talks, lectures, workshops, art classes, guided and group tours, opening receptions, and other special events; and
WHEREAS, the William King Museum of Art has received numerous awards, including the Governor's Award and a Pinnacle Award from the Northeast Tennessee Tourism Association; and
WHEREAS, the William King Museum of Art was accredited by the American Alliance of Museums in 2004, and it is the Commonwealth's only nationally accredited museum west of Roanoke; and
WHEREAS, in addition to its five galleries, the William King Museum of Art features artist studios, a reference library, research archives, and an outdoor sculpture garden; and
WHEREAS, an average of 4,000 visitors a year have walked through the doors of the William King Museum of Art recently, but the museum reaches closer to 25,000 individuals annually through its programs and outreach efforts; and
WHEREAS, the William King Museum of Art relies heavily on philanthropy, and its staff does an exceptional job of utilizing innovative programming to engage, educate, and enrich the quality of life of local residents of all ages; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the William King Museum of Art on the occasion of its 25th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Betsy K. White, director of the William King Museum of Art, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the museum's dedication to leadership, excellence, and collaboration in promoting a vibrant art scene in Southwest Virginia.
