Senate Resolution No. 2014

BY: Senator MAYER

HONORING Neuberger Museum of Art upon the occasion
of its 50th Anniversary and upon the occasion of its
designation as recipient of the 2024 Arts
Organization Award by ArtsWestchester

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those organizations of artistic significance whose creative
contributions have helped further the cultural enrichment of our
communities and our Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Neuberger Museum of Art upon the occasion of its 50th Anniversary and
upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the 2024 Arts
Organization Award by ArtsWestchester; and

WHEREAS, The annual Arts Awards have been presented by
ArtsWestchester since 1976 to recognize individuals and organizations
whose vision, commitment, and leadership have enriched the cultural life
of Westchester, its communities, and its citizens; and

WHEREAS, The Arts Organization Award recognizes a Westchester County
non-profit arts organization that has made important contributions to
the growth of Westchester's cultural life over a significant period and
has had an impact beyond its immediate community; and

WHEREAS, The Neuberger Museum of Art (NEU) was founded in 1969
through the generosity of private art collector, philanthropist, and
arts advocate, Roy R. Neuberger, who promised 300 paintings and
sculptures as the founding gift for a new museum that would be
established to showcase visual arts education on a public college
campus; and

WHEREAS, The museum is located on the campus of Purchase College,
State University of New York, and opened in 1974, with 2024 marking the
50th Anniversary of the museum; and

WHEREAS, The Neuberger Museum of Art's collection has grown to over
6,500 objects, with the works in the permanent collection belonging to
the citizens of the State of New York; proof of dedication to this
sentiment is that admission is always free; and

WHEREAS, Over the years, hundreds of dedicated Volunteer Museum
Educators have enriched the experiences of visiting guests by leading
tours and guiding their discussions of the art and artists on view; and

WHEREAS, Priceless in its impact, thousands of local schoolchildren
across Westchester and surrounding counties have been introduced to the
visual arts at the NEU; groups from Title 1 schools in Westchester
County are also eligible to receive free transportation, admission, and
lunch through the NEUKids Program, ensuring accessibility to the arts
for all; and

WHEREAS, Further proving its commitment to visual art accessibility
for all, the museum also hosts NEU Vitality Art Workshops which provides
art education experiences designed specifically for adults over the ages
of 55; and

WHEREAS, The Neuberger Museum's signature biannual award, the Roy R.
Neuberger Prize, recognizes the work of exceptional contemporary
artists, continuing our founding patron's dedication to supporting
artists early in their career; and

WHEREAS, A group of generous community members known as the Friends
of the Neuberger Museum of Art has, for more than 52 years, supported
the museum and ensured that it continues to grow and evolve; the Friends
organization clearly demonstrates the significant impact a group of
dedicated community members can have in supporting the museum and the
cultural life of Westchester County and the State at large; and

WHEREAS, Purchase College students, faculty, and staff, embrace The
Neuberger Museum as part of the campus' rich cultural experience; and

WHEREAS, It is most fitting that we take time to celebrate the arts
of our Nation, to honor our artists, and to express our appreciation to
everyone who patronizes the arts; as we celebrate the arts, we celebrate
and give thanks to our American freedom, the only atmosphere in which
artists can truly create and in which art is truly the expression of the
soul; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor the Neuberger Museum of Art upon the occasion of its 50th
Anniversary and upon the occasion of its designation as recipient of the
2024 Arts Organization Award by ArtsWestchester; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Neuberger Museum of Art.