LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring Owen M. Smith upon the occasion of his
designation as recipient of the Norman S. Rice Arts, Culture and Educa-
tion Award by the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District on June
12, 2015

WHEREAS, From time to time this Legislative Body takes note of certain
extraordinary individuals it wishes to recognize for their valued
contributions to the success and progress of society and publicly
acknowledge their endeavors which have enhanced the basic humanity among
us all; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Owen M. Smith
upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of the Norman S. Rice
Arts, Culture and Education Award by the Downtown Albany Business
Improvement District, to be celebrated at its 2015 captureALB Garden
Party, on Friday, June 12, 2014, in Albany, New York; and
WHEREAS, This auspicious award is named in recognition of the legacy
of Norman S. Rice to the cultural and educational landscape of the Capi-
tal Region Arts, and honors an individual for their own lasting contrib-
utions to arts, culture and education for the local community; and
WHEREAS, The 2015 public exhibit captureALB, featuring 10 life-sized
photo frames throughout Downtown Albany, will launch on June 12, 2015;
historically, over 10,000 visitors each year share in the success of the
public outdoor exhibit; this year the frames, approximately three feet
by three feet, will act as a catalyst of interaction between employees,
residents, visitors and the Downtown District; and
WHEREAS, Honorees such as Owen M. Smith demonstrate significant accom-
plishment in exposing the arts to a public audience in their role either
as arts advocate, as an artist themselves, or as an art educator; and
WHEREAS, A native of Delmar, New York, Owen M. Smith is a graduate of
the Theatre Arts Program at the State University of New York at New
Paltz; and
WHEREAS, A proud resident of the City of Albany, Owen M. Smith was a
graduate of the Park Playhouse II Youth Theatre Program, and subsequent-
ly worked with Park Playhouse for over a decade as both a Director and
as a Performer; and
WHEREAS, Owen M. Smith relocated to New York City, and became both the
founding member and the Producing Director of The Clockwork Theatre; in
this capacity, he directed several off-Broadway productions, including
the Drama Desk nominated world premiere of UNDERGROUND; and
WHEREAS, Moreover, Owen M. Smith played an integral role in the 40th
Anniversary National Tour of FIDDLER ON THE ROOF, as well as in
productions in New York and throughout the region; and
WHEREAS, After returning to the Capital Region, Owen M. Smith has held
the position of Producing Artistic Director of the Park Playhouse since
2010; in addition, he has served as the Managing Director of the histor-
ic Palace Theatre for the last three years; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, Owen M. Smith was instrumental in forging a strate-
gic alliance between the Park Playhouse and the Palace Theatre, leading
to his shared position between the two area arts organizations; and
WHEREAS, Two years later, Owen M. Smith was proudly named one of the
ALBANY BUSINESS REVIEW'S 40 Under 40; today, under his luminous leader-
ship, the Park Playhouse has seen a resurgence in its artistic acco-
lades, as well as significant growth in contributions and sponsorship;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that those who
enhance the quality of life in their community and have shown a long and
sustained commitment to the maintenance of high standards in their

profession, certainly have earned the recognition and applause of all
the citizens of this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
honor Owen M. Smith upon the occasion of his designation as recipient of
the Norman S. Rice Arts, Culture and Education Award by the Downtown
Albany Business Improvement District on June 12, 2015; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Owen M. Smith.