Senate Resolution No. 898

BY: Senator GRIFFO

HONORING Walter Merrick posthumously upon the
occasion of his induction into the Rome Arts Hall of
Fame on May 4, 2025

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those individuals whose commitment to promoting the richness
and diversity of the performing, visual, and literary arts, has
contributed to the strength, vitality, and cultural enrichment of their
communities and the great State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Walter Merrick posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the
Rome Arts Hall of Fame on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Capitol Theatre in
Rome, New York; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2005, The Rome Arts Hall of Fame aligns with
their mission to honor individuals who have a strong connection to the
Rome community and a significant involvement in the performing, visual,
or literary arts; and

WHEREAS, Walter Merrick was an artist and art teacher who spent most
of his career in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District
where he served as chair of the art department; and

WHEREAS, With a desire to get involved and work with his students,
Walter Merrick was in charge of the high school's yearbook committee and
directed and created sets for several Vernon-Verona-Sherrill high school
musicals; and

WHEREAS, In his personal time, Walter Merrick was a successful
artist, and his oil paintings were displayed in a solo exhibit at the
Rome Art and Community Center in 2014; and

WHEREAS, With an innate skill for art and design, Walter Merrick was
also an accomplished muralist and was proficient in portraiture, silk
screening, and colored pencil work; and

WHEREAS, New Yorkers who are devoted to the preservation and
furtherance of the arts while resultantly strengthening the cultural
fabric of this great State are deserving of the highest praise and
recognition; Walter Merrick is one such individual; and

WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization, are
central to human expression, and inspire the imagination; educational
institutions, individuals, and organizations which further such worthy
purposes richly merit the recognition and appreciation of this
Legislative Body and the people of the State of New York; now,
therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Walter Merrick posthumously upon the occasion of his induction
into the Rome Arts Hall of Fame on May 4, 2025; and be it further


RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the family of Walter Merrick.