A JOINT RESOLUTION honoring the penland school of crafts on its 75th anniversary and the memory of lucy morgan, the founder of the penland school of crafts.
Whereas, Penland School of Crafts, a national center for craft education located in Mitchell County, is celebrating its seventy‑fifth anniversary in 2004; and
Whereas, Penland School of Crafts was placed on the National Register of Historic Places as the Penland School Historic District in 2004; and
Whereas, Penland School of Crafts has continued to the present the tradition of education and economic assistance begun by Lucy Morgan in 1929; and
Whereas, Penland School of Crafts serves as an anchor for a $540 million crafts industry in North Carolina; and
Whereas, Penland School of Crafts brings over 18,000 students and visitors to Mitchell County each year and contributes $6 to $8 million into the local economy annually through its crafts education programs, its gallery and visitors center, its resident artist program, its employment; and
Whereas, Penland School of Crafts has encouraged over 100 artists to settle and establish small businesses in Mitchell, Yancey, and Avery counties serving as a model of creative enterprise; and
Whereas, Penland School of Crafts promotes an understanding of craft as a common expression and enterprise among people across time, across continents, and across social boundaries; and
Whereas, Penland School of Crafts is known throughout the world for the highest quality of work and its vibrant crafts community; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives, the Senate concurring:
SECTION 1.  The General Assembly hereby honors the memory of Lucy Morgan for her role in helping to establish the Penland School of Crafts.
SECTION 2.  The General Assembly applauds the Penland School of Crafts on its 75 years of contribution to the social, cultural, and economic health of Mitchell County and the entire State of North Carolina and extends its congratulations and appreciation for Penland’s important role in the life of all North Carolina citizens.
SECTION 3.  The Secretary of State shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to the Penland School of Crafts.
SECTION 4.  This resolution is effective upon ratification.