A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CELEBRATE AND CONGRATULATE KAREN WATSON, FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE SUMTER COUNTY GALLERY OF ART; TO EXPRESS DEEP APPRECIATION FOR HER TWENTY YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED SERVICE; AND TO WISH HER CONTINUED SUCCESS AND FULFILLMENT IN ALL HER FUTURE ENDEAVORS.

 

Whereas, during her two decades as executive director, Karen Watson provided the Sumter County Gallery of Art with service marked by dedication, leadership, and vision -- a package of personal qualities she brought to her position that wrought entertainment, education, and sometimes unexpected joy for the Sumter community and beyond through the art gallery; and

 

Whereas, she began her work at the gallery in 1996, shortly after she and her family moved to Sumter. With a degree in biology and a background in medical research, she comes from an unconventional creative background, one that is less about the action of creating art and more about appreciating it. She and her husband were serious collectors of contemporary art, acquiring it on their travels throughout South Carolina, Atlanta, New York, and the West Coast. Her high enthusiasm for the arts and artists eventually led her to apply for the position of executive director of the Sumter County Gallery of Art; and

 

Whereas, founded in 1969 by Sumter Artists Guild and opened in 1970, the gallery is a community-based institution designed to present and promote the visual arts; increase knowledge and appreciation thereof; and provide visual art and art education to Sumter, Clarendon, and Lee counties. The guild utilizes the gallery to display its own work, as well as to host exhibits from artists outside the community; and

 

Whereas, one of Ms. Watson's earliest and most defining decisions as executive director, for both the gallery and her professional growth, was to feature nationally and internationally renowned artists whose work challenged audiences and expanded their perspectives. She added works of art by talented Black artists and hosted exhibitions that drew attention well beyond Sumter's borders, including Norman Rockwell's American Chronicles, which illustrated American life from the 1930s to the 1960s, including patriotic, civil rights, and nostalgic works. Works featuring connections to Sumter's patriotic community were of special interest; and

 

Whereas, moreover, some time ago under her far-seeing direction, once every six weeks the gallery began taking art instruction directly to children, elderly residents, and families who might never step inside the gallery; and

 

Whereas, her stewardship has brought various recognitions for the Sumter County Gallery of Art, among them the 2025 South Carolina Governor's Award for the Arts (organization category), an honor bestowed by the South Carolina Arts Commission for the gallery's dedication to making visual arts accessible, diverse, and community-focused since 1969; and

 

Whereas, upon her well-deserved retirement in January 2026, Karen Watson left behind a legacy of outstanding service and commitment to the citizens of this great State, most particularly those of the Sumter area. The South Carolina House, grateful for her consistent excellence, takes great pleasure in wishing her well, and the members trust she will find much enjoyment in the more leisurely pace of the days ahead. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, celebrate and congratulate Karen Watson, former executive director of the Sumter County Gallery of Art; express deep appreciation for her twenty years of distinguished service; and wish her continued success and fulfillment in all her future endeavors.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Karen Watson.

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