Senate Resolution No. 31

BY: Senator RITCHIE

CONGRATULATING Laura Foster upon the occasion of
her retirement after 31 years of distinguished
service to the Frederic Remington Art Museum

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body seeks to acknowledge those
individuals whose professional lives and civic endeavors serve to
enhance the stature of the State of New York; and

WHEREAS, For the past 31 years, Laura Foster rendered faithful,
conscientious and valuable service to the Frederic Remington Art Museum
at 303 Washington Street in Ogdensburg, New York; in her capacity as
Executive Director, she served with loyalty, honor and distinction; and

WHEREAS, A native of Potsdam, New York, Laura Foster earned her
degree at the College of Wooster in Ohio; after graduation, she returned
to the North Country and joined the staff at the Frederic Remington Art
Museum in October of 1989, serving in various roles including curator,
and for the last seven years, Executive Director, the position from
which she will officially retire; and

WHEREAS, A widely-recognized expert on Frederic Remington's works,
Laura Foster has devoted her career to educating community members and
numerous visitors from around the world about Canton, New York native
Frederic Remington, a renowned American artist best known for his works
depicting cowboys, soldiers and Native Americans of the Old West; and

WHEREAS, Under the luminous leadership of Laura Foster, the Frederic
Remington Art Museum houses a comprehensive collection of original
Remington paintings, sketches and sculptures, as well as a broad array
of personal effects and correspondence which serve to bring the artist
and his vision to life; and

WHEREAS, Through her steadfast and unremitting commitment, Laura
Foster has made it possible for people both near and far to view the
great works of this master through the museum's galleries and various
art exhibitions held throughout the United States and the world; and

WHEREAS, In addition, Laura Foster has stabilized revenues and the
museum's budget, overseen the restoration of the historic Parish
mansion, which is the core of the museum's facility, and has continued
to foster important, beneficial relationships within the American art
community; and

WHEREAS, Laura Foster also led a project to digitize many pieces of
the museum's vast collection, including Frederic Remington's many
sketchbooks and thousands of drawings; worked on a new exhibit dedicated
to Sally James Farnham, an internationally acclaimed American sculptor
who was born in Ogdensburg; and played a key role in the implementation
of the Frederic Remington Art Museum's five-year strategic campaign,
along with the launch of the museum's most recent comprehensive
fundraising campaign which will culminate with the organization's
centennial in 2023; and

WHEREAS, In her final months as Executive Director, Laura Foster led
her staff and the museum through the challenges of the COVID-19
pandemic, successfully working to sustain the museum during a turbulent
time for our region and world; and

WHEREAS, As a result of Laura Foster's tireless efforts over the
course of the past 31 years, the Frederic Remington Art Museum has come
to be known as a leading arts and cultural institution in New York State
and within western and American art circles across the globe; and

WHEREAS, Laura Foster, through her dedication to the world of art
and the Frederic Remington Art Museum, has brought the story of Frederic
Remington to life, helping individuals from the North Country and beyond
learn about his unparalleled talents; and

WHEREAS, As Laura Foster embarks upon a well-deserved retirement,
she leaves behind an impact which will be felt for generations and a
legacy of appreciation for culture and the arts that will continue to
enrich the lives of many; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate Laura Foster upon the occasion of her retirement and to
wish her continued success in all future endeavors; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Laura Foster.