LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Jim Gwynn upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition for his life-long dedication to the
Albany Institute of History & Art

WHEREAS, Individuals who give of their time and energies and serve the
best interests of their communities are an asset beyond remuneration and
cannot be sufficiently extolled; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge
outstanding individuals whose professional lives, personal endeavors and
community service are an example and inspiration to their colleagues,
friends, and family; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Jim
Gwynn upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition for
his life-long dedication to the Albany Institute of History & Art; this
auspicious occasion will be celebrated at the annual Museum Gala, to be
held on Saturday, June 8, 2013, at the home of Mr. E. Stewart and Mrs.
Kimberly Sanger Jones; and
WHEREAS, Founded in 1791, the Albany Institute of History & Art is one
of the oldest museums in the United States; it also is the major reposi-
tory for the region's heritage, with nationally significant collections;
and
WHEREAS, The genesis of the Albany Institute of History & Art began
with The Society for the Promotion of Agriculture, Arts, and Manufac-
tures, founded in New York City in Federal Hall; supported by the New
York state legislature, to which it served as an informational advisor,
the Society met to improve the state's economy through advances in agri-
cultural methods and manufacturing technologies; it moved to Albany in
1797, when it became the state capital; and
WHEREAS, The Albany Institute of History & Art is dedicated to
collecting, preserving, interpreting, and promoting interest in the
history, art, and culture of Albany and the Upper Hudson Valley; the
museum achieves this mission through its collections, exhibitions,
education programs, library, research projects, publications, and other
programs offered to the general public; and
WHEREAS, A native of Albany, New York, Jim Gwynn was first introduced
to the Albany Institute of History & Art in 1937 while still in high
school; his skill in drawing was noticed by Herbert Steinke, then the
art supervisor for the Albany public schools, and Jim was asked to join
the Saturday morning art classes at the Institute; and
WHEREAS, The Albany Institute of History & Art was the birthplace of
Jim Gwynn's outstanding and successful career; the pleasure and excite-
ment of his classes at the Albany Institute of History & Art led to
further studies and eventually to a long and rewarding career in design
for some of the leading department stores and specialty shops in New
York City and Philadelphia, Bonwit Teller and James McCreery & Co.
among them; and
WHEREAS, For 20 years, Jim Gwynn coordinated the Institute's decor
with the themes of the champagne balls; and
WHEREAS, In retirement Jim Gwynn is a painter in pastels and serves as
the historian of the Cathedral of All Saints; he has written numerous
articles on that magnificent building and on Bishop Doane, its founder;
and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to Jim Gwynn; and
WHEREAS, Throughout the entire period of his professional and communi-
ty service, a period of constructive involvement, Jim Gwynn has stood

constant in dignity, good grace and humor, and has earned the respect
and admiration of his colleagues, family and friends; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when individ-
uals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized by all the citizens of this great Empire
State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Jim Gwynn upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition for his life-long dedication to the Albany Institute of History &
Art; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Jim Gwynn.