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.