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S. R. No. 17 *SS36/R693* ~ OFFICIAL ~ N1/2
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To: Rules
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE REGULAR SESSION 2026
By: Senator(s) McCaughn, Chassaniol, DuPree,
England, McLendon, Simmons (12th), Simmons
(13th)
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 17
A RESOLUTION EXTENDING THE RECOGNITION OF THE MISSISSIPPI 1
SENATE TO ART EDUCATION MENTOR AND ADVOCATE DOROTHY "DOTTIE" 2
ARMSTRONG FROM NEWTON, MISSISSIPPI, AS THE RECIPIENT OF THE 2026 3
GOVERNOR'S ARTS AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ARTS EDUCATION. 4
WHEREAS, the Governor's Arts Awards program has announced its 5
2026 recipients, which include Art Education mentor and advocate 6
Dorothy "Dottie" Armstrong from Newton, Mississippi, as the 2026 7
Governor's Arts Award recipient for Excellence in Arts Education; 8
and 9
WHEREAS, the Governor's Arts Awards program signifies the 10
important relationship between government and the arts. 11
Established in 1988, the Governor's Arts Awards program recognizes 12
individuals and organizations who have made noteworthy 13
contributions to or achieved artistic excellence in Mississippi 14
and is the most prestigious award for living artists in the state. 15
The Mississippi Arts Commission presents the awards each year in 16
partnership with the Governor's Office. The 38th Governor's Arts 17
Awards ceremony is February 12, 2026, at The Westin Jackson. The 18
Mississippi Arts Commission (MAC) and the Governor's Office are 19
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pleased to announce four outstanding artists and one legacy arts 20
organization as recipients of the 2026 Governor's Arts Awards; and 21
WHEREAS, Dorothy Armstrong, affectionately known as "Miss 22
Dottie," was an artist as a child, but she didn't know it. Living 23
on a dairy farm in Jacksonville, Florida, she entertained her six 24
younger brothers and sisters with sock puppet shows complete with 25
costumes and scenery. But even though she loved to create, she 26
didn't think she could do what she wanted the most: draw and 27
paint. When she went to high school, she would walk down the 28
halls of Paxon High and peek into the doors of those wonderful art 29
classes, wishing she could be there if only she knew how to draw 30
and paint. Naturally, once she started her teaching career as a 31
high school English teacher, she couldn't stop drawing and 32
painting. She made posters and pictures to illustrate the lessons 33
in her class. Over the next several years, she enrolled in every 34
art class available in her area. Dr. Ted Alexander, 35
Superintendent of Newton schools, suggested that she pursue a 36
master's in art education at Mississippi College and start an art 37
program at Newton High. He had already written a grant for the 38
elementary school, which brought in two full-time art teachers and 39
substantial supplies. There was so much excitement as the spirit 40
of art took over the town; and 41
WHEREAS, Mrs. Armstrong kept the interest alive by 42
maintaining art in the news through public art projects at 43
schools, buildings, the hospital, businesses, and the local 44
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library. Many pieces are gone now due to Hurricane Katrina's 45
destruction and years of enduring the weather. At one time, there 46
were over a dozen murals outside, with others inside at the 47
theatre and the depot; and 48
WHEREAS, students had the opportunity to share and exhibit 49
their artwork in art shows that served as cultural events for the 50
community. These events included live music, catered 51
refreshments, and often television reporters; and 52
WHEREAS, Dottie gave back to the community, but she kept her 53
perspective, putting God and her family first in her life. She 54
was recognized as a Star Teacher several times and a Woman of the 55
Year more than once by the Chamber of Commerce; and 56
WHEREAS, after retiring in 1999, she expanded her private 57
adult and children's classes. She continues to keep her studio 58
active and available. The Secret Garden Art Studio is a happy 59
place full of light, color, and creative energy; everyone is 60
welcome and comfortable being there; and 61
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we pay tribute and 62
express appreciation for the talent of a Mississippi art educator 63
who has made Mississippi a better place and exemplifies the 64
charitable and artistic traditions of our great state: 65
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF 66
MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby extend the recognition of the 67
Mississippi Senate to Art Education mentor and advocate Dorothy 68
"Dottie" Armstrong from Newton, Mississippi, as the recipient of 69
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ST: Recognize Dorothy "Dottie" Armstrong as
recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for
Excellence in Arts Education.
the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Arts Education 70
and extend our congratulations to this outstanding art instructor 71
on this auspicious occasion. 72
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to 73
Mrs. Armstrong and made available to the Capitol Press Corps. 74