Morelle E-News Header
August 22, 2008

Deborah Ronnen Named to NY State Council on the Arts

Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle, D-Irondequoit, announced today that Deborah Ronnen of Brighton, a long-time advocate for the upstate cultural community, has been appointed to the New York State Council on the Arts.

Ronnen was nominated by Governor David A. Paterson following a recommendation by Morelle. The state Senate approved the nomination Tuesday.

"Deborah's presence will give our region a voice that it has lacked for far too long in the Council's deliberations," said Morelle, former chairman of the Assembly's Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Sports Development. "I strongly supported her candidacy because she embodies a unique combination of knowledge, professionalism and passion.

"I know she will be a great asset to the Council and to the cause of artistic institutions across New York, because she understands the important role the arts play in the civic and economic well-being of our communities and our state."

Morelle also thanked the local Senate delegation for unanimously supporting Ronnen during the confirmation vote and graciously working together in a bipartisan effort to secure her appointment for our region.

Ronnen has been a member and chair of the board of trustees at Garth Fagan Dance, one of the premier dance troupes in the world. She has served as a consultant and curator at Rochester Contemporary, a progressive and growing contemporary art center. Ronnen is a past Trustee of the Memorial Art Gallery of the University of Rochester and was recently elected to the Board of Directors of The Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, Albright-Knox Art Gallery.

Ronnen is the owner of Deborah Ronnen Fine Art, a business specializing in contemporary and modern art. She is also an attorney, trained and admitted to the bar in Israel.

Formed in 1960, the Council on the Arts' mission is to expand cultural opportunities for the citizens of New York. Each year it provides more than 2,500 grants to programs and organizations across a broad range of disciplines.

About NYS Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle

Since 1990, Assemblyman Joseph D. Morelle has represented the 132nd Assembly District, which includes portions of the city of Rochester and the Monroe County suburbs of Irondequoit and Brighton. In 2007, Joe was named chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Insurance.

Email Marketing by