NJ AJR128

Designates August of each year as "American Artist Appreciation Month" in New Jersey to recognize and celebrate American artists who create inspirational and innovative works of art

Requests the Governor to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the month and calling upon institutions of learning and culture to observe it with appropriate activities and programs

Notes the economic significance of the arts industry, which generates $12 billion for governments nationally, supports 2.3 million jobs, and accounts for 3.7% of New Jersey's GDP with $41 million in state/local revenue

Recognizes New Jersey's artistic heritage, including notable artists such as painter Roy Lichtenstein, singer Whitney Houston, and actor Joe Pesci

Acknowledges American artists' contributions to cultural movements including Pop Art, Luminism, Photorealism, and music genres like jazz, country, and rock and roll