MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2014 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hopson, Butler (38th), Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Ward
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING ART BUSINESSWOMAN LESLEY SILVER OF VICKSBURG, MISSISSIPPI, UPON HER RECEIPT OF THE 2014 GOVERNOR'S ARTS AWARD FOR ARTS IN THE COMMUNITY.
WHEREAS, the Mississippi Arts Commission has announced that Art Businesswoman Lesley Silver of Vicksburg, Mississippi, has been named as recipient of the prestigious 2014 Governor's Arts Award for Arts in the Community, with the Awards Ceremony held on February 20, 2014, in the Concert Hall of Belhaven University Center for the Arts; and
WHEREAS, Lesley Silver opened her Attic Gallery in downtown Vicksburg, Mississippi, 41 years ago and has fostered the careers of hundreds of artists while providing a showcase for every conceivable kind of creation; and
WHEREAS, the Attic Gallery is a living record of Mississippi's ascendancy in the arts, and Lesley, a distinguished artist herself, has lifted many of her clients into national prominence. She is a gentle revolutionary who has made it respectable to be an outsider, and she has done this by changing preconceived ideas, helping to see beauty and grace in different places; and
WHEREAS, the works of art in the Attic Gallery range from surprising and delightful folk art to paintings and sculptures by some of the most daring artists in our region; and
WHEREAS, unlike many artists, Lesley is also an astute businesswoman, and she puts her acumen to work for artists all over the state by giving them a home for their work and a way to make a living. She is a nourishing patron of every artist who needs support, affirmation and the opportunity to sell their work; and
WHEREAS, Lesley Silver has put her generous spirit and astonishing array of gifts to work for the greater good by turning the Attic Gallery into a thriving center for commerce and culture, the very heart and soul of a city that prides itself on its devotion to Mississippi and the arts; and
WHEREAS, the Governor's Arts Awards are presented annually to outstanding writers, artists, performers, craftsmen and educators who have made significant and lasting contributions through their work as well as to corporations or organizations on the basis of their dedication to arts advancement; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute to this respected artist and businesswoman whose body of work has brought honor to her community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize Arts Businesswoman Lesley Silver of Vicksburg, Mississippi, upon her receipt of the 2014 Governor's Arts Award for Arts in the Community, and extend our best wishes to Lesley and her family on the occasion of the Awards Ceremony on February 20, 2014.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Lesley Silver, forwarded to the Governor and the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.