LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the public
opening of Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 75th Anniversary of the public opening of Munson Williams
Proctor Arts Institute on Saturday, May 21, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Since opening to the public in 1936, Munson Williams Proctor
Arts Institute has enriched the cultural life of residents of the Mohawk
Valley and beyond; the Institute is a source of immense pride and inspi-
ration, and frequently initiates programs that help revitalize the
surrounding community; and
WHEREAS, Annually, Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute offers
hundreds of events and serves more than 140,000 through its three
program divisions; the Museum of Art has a renowned collection of more
than 20,000 works housed in a landmark building designed by Philip John-
son and in Fountain Elms; the museum is free of charge to the general
public and is carefully integrated with the curriculum of the area's
school systems; and
WHEREAS, The Performing Arts division presents more than 100 events
year-round, including the Great Artists, Concerts in the Court, Keyboard
Conversations, For Kids and Families Series, Film Series, education
programs, exhibition-related performances, and special events; and
WHEREAS, The School of Art, founded in 1941, offers community arts
education with a total annual enrollment of 2,500 adults, teens and
children; the School of Art was accredited by the National Association
of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) in 1981; the college credit program
was the first in the nation to receive this prestigious accreditation;
and
WHEREAS, The faculty is comprised of active, professional artists;
most full-time faculty members have achieved the highest terminal degree
in their field; and
WHEREAS, PrattMWP, an extension center campus of Pratt Institute,
offering an art curriculum towards a baccalaureate degree in fine arts;
students study fine arts, photography, communications design, art and
design education; and
WHEREAS, Through the acclaimed Pratt curriculum, PrattMWP offers
world-class fine art instruction on its Utica, New York, campus with
classes that average 20 students; on the PrattMWP campus, students also
take advantage of utilizing the internationally-renowned MWPAI art muse-
um and world-class performing arts programs; and
WHEREAS, Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute, with its wide spec-
trum of programs and activities, national stature and central upstate
location attracts a highly diverse audience; in Utica, it is widely
regarded as one of the strongest forces to focus on reversing the down-
ward trend of the inner city and to revitalize the entire area; the
Institute has taken an aggressive role in partnering with the Community
Foundation, the City of Utica, and many private businesses and individ-
uals to improve the neighboring community; and
WHEREAS, A true asset to society, Munson Williams Proctor Arts Insti-
tute continues to be a model corporate citizen, a leader in the communi-
ty and a positive force for the entire Utica area; and

WHEREAS, Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute's distinguished record
merits the recognition and respectful tribute of this Legislative Body;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 75th Anniversary of the public opening of Munson
Williams Proctor Arts Institute; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute.