MS SC593

Recognizes the artistic talent of Columbia, Mississippi artist Ben Watts and his commissioned sculpture "The Great Physician" unveiled on January 11, 2018, at the entrance to William Carey University's College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Details Watts' artistic career spanning from childhood art contests through formal training with renowned sculptors including Mehl Lawson, Grant Speed, and Blair Buswell, culminating in his full-time art career beginning in 2000.

Highlights Watts' commissioned works including portraits of NFL great Walter Payton, U.S. Senator Howell Heflin, an 11-foot Fred Bear monument at Bass Pro Shops, and sculptures for multiple Mississippi universities including Pearl River Community College, University of Southern Mississippi, and East Mississippi Community College.

Notes Watts' recent work with bluegrass legends Bill Monroe and Little Jimmy Dickens unveiled by Ricky Scaggs and Brad Paisley at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in June 2017.

Directs that the resolution be presented to Ben Watts, forwarded to William Carey University's President and the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.