LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commending Kam Mak upon the occasion of his
designation for special recognition by Homecrest Community Services on
February 26, 2016

WHEREAS, It is the sense 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, The arts, in whatever form depicted, are central to human
expression; they are truly a universal language and their contribution
to the development of friendship and understanding among all peoples
cannot be underestimated; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commend
Kam Mak upon the occasion of his designation for special recognition by
Homecrest Community Services to be celebrated at its Annual Gala Cele-
bration, The Chinese Lunar New Year 4714 "The Year of the Monkey" on
Friday, February 26, 2016, at Jing Fong Restaurant, New York, New York;
and
WHEREAS, Homecrest Community Services, Inc. (HCS) is a non-profit
corporation which provides community-based, multi-social services for
senior citizens, immigrants, children and families living in southern
Brooklyn; and
WHEREAS, Born in Hong Kong, Kam Mak grew up in New York City's China-
town after his family relocated to the United States in 1971; and
WHEREAS, Kam Mak was inspired to paint after becoming involved with
City Art Workshop, an organization designed to encourage the art inter-
ests of inner city youth; and
WHEREAS, In 1984, Kam Mak earned his Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts
from the School of Visual Arts, Manhattan, New York, where he studied on
a full scholarship; and
WHEREAS, Renowned Artist, Kam Mak was proudly commissioned by the
United States Postal Service to design the 12-year stamp series Cele-
brating Lunar New Year which began in 2008 and will continue through
2019; and
WHEREAS, Kam Mak's richly colored paintings have illustrated the
covers of numerous magazines and books including his first offering as
both author and illustrator, MY CHINATOWN: ONE YEAR IN POEMS, about a
little boy growing up in Chinatown; and
WHEREAS, Kam Mak was also recognized for his brilliant artwork in
several other books including THE DRAGON PRINCE, by Laurence Yep; THE
KITE RIDER, by Geraldine McCaughrean; THE YEAR OF THE PANDA, by Miriam
Schlein; and THE MOON OF THE MONARCH BUTTERFLIES, by Jean Craighead
George; and
WHEREAS, A resident of Brooklyn, Kam Mak has been the recipient of
numerous awards and accolades for his intricately stunning illustrations
including the Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Book Award for best chil-
dren's picture book, the National Parenting Publications Gold Medal, and
the Stevan Dohanos Award, as well as both Gold and Silver Medals from
the Society of Illustrators; and
WHEREAS, Currently, Kam Mak is working on a series of paintings
inspired by images of animals as food in Chinatown; and
WHEREAS, In addition to his renowned art career, Kam Mak holds the
position of Associate Professor of Illustration at the Fashion Institute
of Technology in New York City; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay
tribute to those individuals whose commitment and creative talents have

contributed to the entertainment and cultural enrichment of the citizens
of the State of New York; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Kam Mak upon the occasion of his designation for special recog-
nition by Homecrest Community Services on February 26, 2016; and be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Kam Mak.