LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park upon
the occasion of celebrating its 20th Anniversary and honoring its Found-
er, Dorothy Riester

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 that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, It is also the sense of this Legislative Body that the quali-
ty of life of the citizens of the State of New York is greatly enriched
by its exceptional cultural, educational and recreational institutions;
these institutions give positive definition to the profile and disposi-
tion of the communities of the State of New York and profoundly
strengthen our society with their commitment; 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 Stone Quarry Hill Art Park upon the occasion of celebrating
its 20th Anniversary and to honor its Founder, Dorothy Riester; this
auspicious occasion will be observed on Saturday, May 7, 2011; and
WHEREAS, Located in Cazenovia, New York, sitting atop a breathtaking
rural landscape within upstate New York's hills, meadows, and forests,
Stone Quarry Hill Art Park is a public, outdoor art park consisting of
104 acres of land and over four miles of hiking trails; tucked into
these elements of natural beauty are Stone Quarry's heart: original,
one-of-a-kind works of art; and
WHEREAS, The Stone Quarry Hill Art Park was founded by Dorothy and
Robert Riester who moved to the Syracuse area in the 1950s; in 1958,
they made their first land purchase on the site which would become the
Park, and from 1959-1965 they worked on building a house on the hilltop;
and
WHEREAS, Dorothy Riester designed a house on the site; shaped like a
cone on its side, in keeping with the contours of the hill and consider-
ing the wind direction and bedrock of the land, the Hilltop House is
itself a work of art; an A-frame art studio was also built on the site,
and in 1970 the site began its path as a place of artistic activity with
the addition of the Art Barn studio, which became a base for the Syra-
cuse Ceramic Guild; and
WHEREAS, In November 1991, Stone Quarry Hill Art Park was formally
incorporated as a not-for-profit organization overseen by a volunteer
Board of Directors and became an official venue in 1991; it is one of
the first outdoor sculpture parks to be established in the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Currently, under the able leadership of its Executive Direc-
tor, Joseph A. Scala, the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park serves a dual
mission: preservation of the land, and the creation and exhibition of
works inspired by the relationship between art and nature; and
WHEREAS,The Stone Quarry Hill Art Park showcases both established and
emerging artists; sculptors have been joined by visual and performing
artists from many cultural traditions; painters, potters, dancers, musi-
cians, weavers, and writers from around the world have all found inspi-
ration in the Art Park's unique natural setting; and
WHEREAS, Inspired by the relationship between art and nature, the
Stone Quarry Hill Art Park seeks to educate and engage the public
through exhibitions, collection, interpretation, and community outreach
programs in the arts; it is dedicated to providing a unique environment

for the showcasing of art by emerging and established artists, in
natural and gallery settings; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious occasion presents a unique opportunity for
this Legislative Body to recognize and pay tribute to the Stone Quarry
Hill Art Park and to its founder, Dorothy Riester; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions and individuals of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought
to our attention, they should be recognized and applauded by all the
citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the Stone Quarry Hill Art Park upon the occasion of cele-
brating its 20th Anniversary and to honor its Founder, Dorothy Riester;
and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Joseph A. Scala, Executive Director, Stone Quarry Hill Art
Park, Cazenovia, New York.