J 898: Honoring Walter Merrick posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Arts Hall of Fame on May 4, 2025

 Senate Resolution No. 898 BY: Senator GRIFFO HONORING Walter Merrick posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Arts Hall of Fame on May 4, 2025 WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to honor and pay tribute to those individuals whose commitment to promoting the richness and diversity of the performing, visual, and literary arts, has contributed to the strength, vitality, and cultural enrichment of their communities and the great State of New York; and WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor Walter Merrick posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Arts Hall of Fame on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the Capitol Theatre in Rome, New York; and WHEREAS, Established in 2005, The Rome Arts Hall of Fame aligns with their mission to honor individuals who have a strong connection to the Rome community and a significant involvement in the performing, visual, or literary arts; and WHEREAS, Walter Merrick was an artist and art teacher who spent most of his career in the Vernon-Verona-Sherrill Central School District where he served as chair of the art department; and WHEREAS, With a desire to get involved and work with his students, Walter Merrick was in charge of the high school's yearbook committee and directed and created sets for several Vernon-Verona-Sherrill high school musicals; and WHEREAS, In his personal time, Walter Merrick was a successful artist, and his oil paintings were displayed in a solo exhibit at the Rome Art and Community Center in 2014; and WHEREAS, With an innate skill for art and design, Walter Merrick was also an accomplished muralist and was proficient in portraiture, silk screening, and colored pencil work; and WHEREAS, New Yorkers who are devoted to the preservation and furtherance of the arts while resultantly strengthening the cultural fabric of this great State are deserving of the highest praise and recognition; Walter Merrick is one such individual; and WHEREAS, The arts are the building blocks of civilization, are central to human expression, and inspire the imagination; educational institutions, individuals, and organizations which further such worthy purposes richly merit the recognition and appreciation of this Legislative Body and the people of the State of New York; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor Walter Merrick posthumously upon the occasion of his induction into the Rome Arts Hall of Fame on May 4, 2025; and be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the family of Walter Merrick.