Tennessee State Painting

Filed for intro on 02/19/97

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION 57
By Haynes

A RESOLUTION to designate the painting entitled "Tennessee Treasures," by Tennessee’s Artist in Residence Michael Sloan, as the official painting of Tennessee.

WHEREAS, from time to time, this General Assembly deems it appropriate to adopt certain works as official state symbols; and

WHEREAS, in 1990, the Tennessee General Assembly adopted a resolution designating Michael Sloan as Tennessee’s official "Artist in Residence" through the year 2000; and

WHEREAS, Ten of the most recognizable symbols of Tennessee are displayed in "Tennessee Treasures": State Animal--Raccoon, State Bird--Mockingbird, State Cultured Flower--Iris, State Wildflower--Passion Wildflower, State Tree--Tulip Poplar, State Gem--Tennessee River Pearl, State Insect--Lady Bug, State Butterfly--Zebra Swallowtail, State Game Fish--Largemouth Bass and State Mineral--Limestone; and

WHEREAS, The Cascade Waterfall, located near Cosby east of Gatlinburg, is pictured in the background, playing a major part in the picture, anchoring the scene in Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, Below the "Tennessee Treasures" lithograph are images of the state flag, the actual geographic outlay of the state, and a gold-embossed seal of the Great Seal of Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, The first governor’s signature, John Sevier, is located inside the outline of the state; and

WHEREAS, because of its inspiring representations of Tennessee’s symbols, history and geography, "Tennessee Treasures" is a great learning tool for the children in our schools; and

WHEREAS, no painting has ever been designated and adopted as the official State Painting for Tennessee; now, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE ONE-HUNDREDTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF TENNESSEE, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING, That we hereby designate "Tennessee Treasures" by Michael Sloan as the Official Painting of Tennessee.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That an appropriate copy of this resolution be prepared for presentation with this final clause omitted from such copy.