SR-97, As Adopted by Senate, September 6, 2007

            Senators Switalski, Clarke, Clark-Coleman, Whitmer, Hunter, Scott, Thomas, Gleason, Basham, Anderson, Prusi, Olshove, Cherry, Brater, Barcia, Schauer, Birkholz, Van Woerkom, Jansen, Cassis, Pappageorge, Jacobs, Kuipers, Garcia, Brown, Stamas, Gilbert, McManus, Hardiman, George, Richardville, Cropsey, Kahn, Patterson, Jelinek, Sanborn and Allen offered the following resolution:

            Senate Resolution No. 97.

            A resolution celebrating the grand opening of the new Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA).

            Whereas, The DIA has completed a $158-million Master Plan renovation and expansion that spanned more than six years, which included completely refurbished and reinstalled galleries displaying over 5,000 works of art, presented in a way designed to engage its visitors, inspiring them to find personal meaning in works of art; and

            Whereas, The DIA contributes to the state of Michigan culturally and economically. It is one of the premier art museums in the United States, and the lifestyle of area residents is greatly enhanced by easy accessibility to a world-class art museum. Additionally, the DIA’s renowned, international reputation draws tourism to the region, making the museum a vital contributor to the state’s economy on a number of levels. The museum lends works of art to other Michigan museums, provides them with conservation services, and freely shares its expertise in a variety of areas from education to marketing to volunteer development; and

            Whereas, The DIA has achieved national and international prominence for its outstanding collection of more than 60,000 works of art that comprise a multicultural survey of human creativity from ancient times through the 21st century. From the first van Gogh painting to enter a United States museum (Self-Portrait, 1887) to Diego Rivera’s world-renowned Detroit Industry murals (1932-33), the DIA has amassed an encyclopedic collection known for its quality, range, and depth; and

            Whereas, Serving the educational needs of residents and visitors, the DIA provides enjoyable and enriching experiences for people with all levels of familiarity with art. The DIA welcomed nearly 12,000 student groups last year at a time when the museum was significantly reduced in size due to construction. In addition, the DIA brings art education programs into the classroom and community, with volunteers traveling as far as Lansing and Kalamazoo to promote art education; and

            Whereas, The DIA shares its extraordinary and admired collections with other museums in the U.S. and abroad, affording people an opportunity to experience a part of the DIA; and through reciprocal exhibitions, brings great art from museums around the world which would otherwise not be seen by many of our citizens. The museum’s collaboration is recognized as critical to fostering the world’s knowledge and enjoyment of art; now, therefore, be it

            Resolved by the Senate, That the members of this legislative body commemorate the grand opening of the new DIA. We commend the DIA’s regional leadership, as well as the city of Detroit, the museum’s executive team and staff, and all others who have contributed to the transformation of this national treasure to ensure its legacy for future generations; and be it further

            Resolved, That a copy of this resolution be transmitted to DIA as a token of the high esteem in which it is held.