SENATE RESOLUTION

                         1997-8624

By Senators Wojahn and Haugen

     WHEREAS, The literary, performing, and visual arts are vibrant threads weaving through the tapestry of life in the State of Washington; and

     WHEREAS, The arts inspire creativity and innovation, foster communication and understanding across cultures, and transmit core values to future generations; and

     WHEREAS, The arts accelerate students= mastery of history, math, and science, enhance problem-solving skills, and increase the self-esteem of youth at risk; and

     WHEREAS, The arts industry throughout Washington State generates millions of dollars annually through performances, exhibitions, festivals, art walks, craft fairs, and concerts in the parks; and

     WHEREAS, Our state has received international acclaim for the quality of its artists and arts institutions, drawing audiences from across the nation and world to the Northwest and making cultural tourism a vital part of our economy;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That February 26, 1997 is Arts Day, and all who work in the arts are thanked for truly establishing within our borders Washington as a State of the Arts.

I, Mike O=Connell, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 1997-8624,

adopted by the Senate February 26, 1997.

MIKE O=CONNELL

Secretary of the Senate