Texas Commission on the Arts Announces Appointments of State Poet Laureate, Musician, and Visual Artists

AUSTIN, Texas - April 16, 2007 - The Texas Commission on the Arts has announced its appointments to the positions of state poet laureate, state musician, state two-dimensional artist and state three-dimensional artist. These positions, created by SB 1043 of the 77th Legislature, will be filled by one-year appointments. The eight appointees named for 2007 and 2008 were selected for years of excellence and dedicated commitment to the arts in Texas.

The 2007 appointees include Texas Poet Laureate Steven Fromholz of Kopperl, Texas State Musician Dale Watson of Austin, Texas State Two-Dimensional Artist Lee Herring of Rockwall, and Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist David Keens of Arlington. The 2008 appointees include Texas Poet Laureate Larry Thomas of Houston, Texas State Musician Shelley King of Austin, Texas State Two-Dimensional Artist Janet Eager Krueger of Encinal and Texas State Three-Dimensional Artist Damian Priour of Austin.

On Thursday, April 19, 2007 both House and Senate members will recognize the honorees with Resolutions in each chamber. Following the ceremonies the artists will then attend a luncheon sponsored and provided by the Texas Cultural Trust Council.

"State artists demonstrate the essense of what art in Texas is all about," Rep. Harvey Hilderbran, chair of the House of Representative's Committee on Culture, Recreation and Tourism said. "The work of these artists, and others like them, ensures that art and culture thrives in our great state and we are pleased to honor these talented men and women with this recognition."

Nominees must be native Texans or five-year residents of the state. They must have received recognition for high levels of excellence and success in their respective disciplines. They also must have received critical reviews in state, regional or national publications.

In addition, poet laureate nominees must have a substantial body of work, including at least one publication that is not self-published or vanity press.

State musician nominees must have a substantial body of work, including at least two nationally available records, or at least 20 years experience teaching music in a formal classroom, or must receive the majority of their income from musical endeavors. Visual artist nominees must work in two- or three-dimensional art mediums, must have participated in at least one one-person show, and must have an extensive history of exhibiting in recognized museums and galleries.

Any Texas citizen could submit up to three nominations per artist category; however, self-nominations were not accepted. TCA reviewed all nominations and developed a list of finalists for submission to the Texas Poet Laureate, State Musician and State Artist Committee. The committee, composed of members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, made the final selections.

"In Texas we never have a shortage of great artists to chose from and this diverse group represents the best of the best," said Texas Commission on the Arts Executive Director Rick Hernandez. "This honor rewards these talented Texans for their commitment to their passion."

About the Texas Commission on the Arts

TCA was organized in 1965 by the Texas Legislature to develop a receptive climate for the arts in Texas. After 40 years of success TCA continues to support the arts in Texas. TCA assists a diverse and innovative arts community in Texas, throughout the nation and internationally by providing resources to enhance economic development, arts education, cultural tourism and artist sustainability initiatives. For more information on TCA and its programs, please visit www.arts.state.tx.us.