HOUSTON (April 2, 2019) –Longtime Texas Southern University Photographer Earlie Hudnall, Jr. was selected by the Texas State Legislature as one of the Texas State Artists for 2020 in the two-dimensional category. During each Legislative Session, the Texas State Legislature designates Texas State Artists for the following positions: state poet laureate, state musician, state two-dimensional artist, and state three-dimensional artist. Texas Commission on the Arts (TCA) manages the TCA nomination process.
“I am grateful for the honor and recognition but my joy comes from carrying this camera, finding a subject that is interesting and “clicking,” said Hudnall.
As a Texas State Artist, Hudnall will serve a one-year-term and represent the state’s artistic legacy. He will be widely recognized for his contributions to the state and advancement of his art form, he will also have the opportunity to be included on TCA’s Texas Touring Roster.
“Earlie Hudnall is a true Tiger institution. He has left an incredible legacy at TSU,” said TSU President Austin A. Lane, “Not only has he perfected his craft of photography, he has mentored and inspired so many TSU students along the way. This is a well-deserved honor.”
Nominations for Texas State Artists are reviewed by the TCA and a final list is provided to the selection committee, composed of members appointed by the governor, lieutenant governor and speaker of the Texas House of Representatives, who designates the Texas State Artists during the Legislative session.
“The great talents of the 2019-2020 State Artists, along with all of those who were nominated, help contribute to a distinctive cultural identity that makes Texas a great place to live, work and visit,” said State Representative John Cyrier, Chairman of the House Committee on Culture, Recreation, & Tourism. “It is important that we celebrate the distinguished career achievements of these artists that have enhanced the lives of so many.”
For more information about TCA Texas State Artists visit
www.arts.texas.gov
ABOUT TEXAS SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY
Texas Southern University (TSU) honors our designation as a special-purpose institution for urban programming and research. TSU is a comprehensive university providing higher education access to the nation’s underserved communities. TSU’s academic and research programs address critical urban issues, and prepares its diverse student population to become a force for positive change in a global society. TSU offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs and concentrations – bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees – organized into 10 colleges and schools on a 150-acre campus nestled in the heart of Houston’s historic Third Ward. The University’s enrollment has a population of more than 9,700 undergraduate and graduate-school academic candidates. Texas Southern has been a distinguished educational pioneer since 1927, and the University has become one of the most diverse and respected institutions in Texas. TSU has positioned itself as a proactive leader in educating underserved students and many who are the first in their family to attend college.
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