QUOTE
Artist bill passes House
From Staff Reports
Indiana House members have approved a bill authored by state Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, to protect the works of Indiana artists. House Bill 1204 passed with only one dissenting vote.
“In the Indiana General Assembly, we address matters both large and small,” said Pelath. “While most measures are not as far-reaching as the state budget or property tax legislation, many of them are very important to a narrower group of citizens. This is one such bill.”
Pelath said that last year a group of artists meeting at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City urged him to introduce “consignment of art” legislation, which would regulate the relationship between artists and art dealers who sell works on consignment.
Currently, some artists lose control of their creations when art dealers - who are in possession of the work - close, go bankrupt or are financially encumbered in a court proceeding. The legislation would make sure artists are able to retake possession of their paintings, sculptures, and other items.
“This bill was brought to me by a group of area residents, and it always is a pleasure to turn their ideas into tangible legislation that has wide support,” said Pelath. “They deserve all the credit.”
House Bill 1204 is co-authored by state Rep. Robert Kuzman, D-Crown Point, state Rep. Jim Buck, R-Kokomo, and state Rep. Scott Reske, D-Anderson.
It now moves on to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.
From Staff Reports
Indiana House members have approved a bill authored by state Rep. Scott Pelath, D-Michigan City, to protect the works of Indiana artists. House Bill 1204 passed with only one dissenting vote.
“In the Indiana General Assembly, we address matters both large and small,” said Pelath. “While most measures are not as far-reaching as the state budget or property tax legislation, many of them are very important to a narrower group of citizens. This is one such bill.”
Pelath said that last year a group of artists meeting at the Lubeznik Center for the Arts in Michigan City urged him to introduce “consignment of art” legislation, which would regulate the relationship between artists and art dealers who sell works on consignment.
Currently, some artists lose control of their creations when art dealers - who are in possession of the work - close, go bankrupt or are financially encumbered in a court proceeding. The legislation would make sure artists are able to retake possession of their paintings, sculptures, and other items.
“This bill was brought to me by a group of area residents, and it always is a pleasure to turn their ideas into tangible legislation that has wide support,” said Pelath. “They deserve all the credit.”
House Bill 1204 is co-authored by state Rep. Robert Kuzman, D-Crown Point, state Rep. Jim Buck, R-Kokomo, and state Rep. Scott Reske, D-Anderson.
It now moves on to the Indiana Senate for further consideration.