LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending the SUNY New Paltz Metal Program upon
the occasion of its selection for inclusion as participants in the exhi-
bition series Under the Stairs at The International Design Museum in
Munich, Germany

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay trib-
ute to those institutions and individuals whose commitment and creative
talents have contributed to the cultural enrichment of the citizens of
the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those American artists who have achieved worldwide recognition, for in
doing so, we also give thanks for our freedom which allows us to create
and express ourselves artistically; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
the SUNY New Paltz Metal Program upon the occasion of its selection for
inclusion as participants in the exhibition series Under the Stairs at
The International Design Museum in Munich, Germany; an opening reception
for the participating artists was held on Friday, March 14, 2014, at the
museum; and
WHEREAS, The Metal Program at SUNY New Paltz, School of Fine and
Performing Arts, provides its students opportunities to explore the
technical, aesthetic, and conceptual aspects of contemporary jewelry,
and metalsmithing in a state-of-the-art facility with teachers who are
actively engaged artists, and who exhibit and lecture internationally;
and
WHEREAS, Each year, The International Design Museum accepts an exhibi-
tion proposal from one metal program of international acclaim for their
exhibition series; SUNY New Paltz is the first American institution to
be chosen for this prestigious event; and
WHEREAS, SUNY New Paltz will be sending works from current graduate
students and alumni of the past six years to the museum; and
WHEREAS, The theme for this year's series, "Staring: in Hindsight,"
was conceived by the SUNY New Paltz Metal Program's current master of
fine arts candidates, and is designed in response to the physical space
that houses the exhibition; and
WHEREAS, Under the luminous direction of Professor Jamie Bennett and
Professor Myra Mimlitsch-Gray, this new honor and distinction confirms
most strongly the graduate metal program's place as first in the nation;
the faculty of this program is internationally recognized as world-
class, and now its students have taken a place beside them; and
WHEREAS, With high-quality artist-teachers and artist-students, the
SUNY New Paltz Metal Program has earned the distinction of being ranked
No. 1 by US NEWS AND WORLD REPORT, and is among the largest graduate
metal programs in the country; and
WHEREAS, SUNY New Paltz's alumni contribute to the richness of this
field in numerous meaningful ways, actively participating in building a
critical and productive community while expanding the metal field
through their energetic and creative professional work; and
WHEREAS, It is the practice of this Legislative Body that institutions
that give positive definition to the profile and disposition of the
communities of the State of New York profoundly strengthen our society
with their commitment; 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; and as we celebrate the arts, we cele-
brate 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
commend the SUNY New Paltz's Metal Program upon the occasion of its
selection for inclusion as participants in the exhibition series Under
the Stairs at The International Design Museum in Munich, Germany; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Professor Jamie Bennett and Professor Myra Mimlitsch-Gray,
SUNY New Paltz Metal Program.