Governor Signs Jaffee Bill to Establish the Edward Hopper Citation of Merit for Visual Artists

LEGISLATIVE PRESS RELEASE

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo this week signed into law legislation to establish The Edward Hopper Citation of Merit for Visual Artists. The legislation, (A.2121A/S.4235A) sponsored by Assemblymember Ellen Jaffee (D-Suffern) unanimously passed both houses of the Legislature. 

Jaffee said, “I thank the governor; the bill’s Senate sponsor, Betty Little, chair of the Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation Committee; our colleagues in the Assembly and Senate; other elected officials; Edward Hopper House Art Center Executive Director, Victoria Hertz; Executive Artistic Director, Carole Perry; Hopper House Board Members; community leaders and everyone who worked to ensure this legislation was signed into law. Recognizing a contemporary visual artist for his or her outstanding contribution to the arts in New York State honors not only the artist but also the enormous influence of Edward Hopper, New York’s native son and the most-admired American artist around the world.”

The governor will present the Edward Hopper Citation of Merit for Visual Artists to a distinguished visual artist who is making significant contributions to the advancement of the arts in New York State. The visual artist will promote and encourage the visual arts within the state and will give two public showings, also within the state, one at the Edward Hopper House Art Center in Nyack, Hopper’s birthplace and boyhood home. The citation will carry an honorarium of $5000.

The New York State Council on the Arts will appoint and convene an advisory panel of distinguished visual artists and persons with particular expertise in the field of visual art. The director of the Council and the artistic director of the Edward Hopper House Art Center will be members of the advisory panel and will recommend to the governor a visual artist whose achievements make him or her deserving of such recognition. Upon completion of the exhibits, each gallery shall be reimbursed for administrative fees not to exceed $2,500.

Jaffee said, “The Edward Hopper Citation of Merit for Visual Artists will shine a light on the Edward Hopper House Art Center, showcase the vast artistic talent that New York State has to offer, help the state’s diverse art communities continue to flourish and grow the vital role that arts-related businesses and cultural tourism play in our state’s economy.”

Jen Laird White, Nyack Mayor, said, “So many thanks to Assemblywoman Jaffee, the governor and everyone in Albany for this wonderful honor. It is a great thing for New York State and especially for Nyack.”

Carole Perry, Hopper House Artistic Director, said, “We are so pleased that Governor Cuomo recognizes the importance of supporting artists in New York State, and does so while also acknowledging the significant impact Edward Hopper has had on the arts in New York and the world.”

The law takes effect in 2017.