Senate Resolution No. 2468

BY: Senator JACOBS

HONORING Rita Argen Auerbach upon the occasion of
her designation as recipient of the Unsung Hero
award by the Arts Services Initiative of Western New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those individuals of artistic significance whose creative talents have
contributed to the cultural enrichment of our communities and our
Nation; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor
Rita Argen Auerbach upon the occasion of her designation as recipient of
the Unsung Hero award by the Arts Services Initiative of Western New
York feted at its 4th Annual Spark Cultural Awards Party, "Celebrating
Those Who Ignite Arts & Culture" on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at the
Hotel Henry Urban Resort Conference Center in Buffalo, New York; and

WHEREAS, Arts Services Initiative of Western New York (ASI) promotes
the cultural sector's vital role in economic development and the
community through capacity building, collaboration, and advocacy in
Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, and Allegany Counties; and

WHEREAS, A highly regarded and respected artist, Rita Argen Auerbach
has served as art educator, volunteer/patron of the arts, and leader in
various cultural organizations in Western New York; and

WHEREAS, Rita Argen Auerbach is considered to be one of Buffalo's
most iconic artists and her influence and involvement in so many areas
of the arts community has greatly benefitted thousands of residents in
not only Western New York, but the entire nation; and

WHEREAS, Rita Argen Auerbach's extraordinary career was recognized
with three simultaneous exhibitions of her work at the Kenan Center,
Meibohm Fine Arts, and Studio Hart; and

WHEREAS, Working primarily in watercolor, Rita Argen Auerbach
manipulates shape, form, texture, value, and color to make a strong
personal statement resulting in bountiful luminous effects using
transparent paint; and

WHEREAS, This talented woman is inspired by the way light transforms
the world around her, whether it is architecture, landscape or still
life; light, so much a part of nature, creates endless possibilities and
presents her with the freedom to express and interpret that beauty in
her paintings; and

WHEREAS, Dedicated to her community, Rita Argen Auerbach has been
instrumental in implementing numerous private and public initiatives;
she has held the title of Vice President of the Niagara Frontier
Watercolor Society, President of the Buffalo Society of Artists and a
participant of the Buffalo Arts Studio, Big Orbit Gallery, and the
Roswell Park Cancer Institute Art Alliance; and


WHEREAS, In addition, Rita Argen Auerbach serves as the co-Chair of
the Advisory Council and Trustee at the Burchfield Penney Art Center,
and is an active member of the Buffalo State College Alumni Board of
Directors, and Trustee of the Buffalo Society of Artists; 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
celebrate 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
honor Rita Argen Auerbach upon the occasion of her designation as
recipient of the Unsung Hero award by the Arts Services Initiative of
Western New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Rita Argen Auerbach.