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HR 1081

TO HONOR SCULPTOR KEVIN KRESSE FOR CREATING THE SCULPTURE OF ARKANSAS MUSIC ICON JOHNNY CASH NOW ON DISPLAY IN THE NATIONAL STATUARY HALL COLLECTION IN THE UNITED STATES CAPITOL.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Tippi McCullough

A ceremonial Arkansas House resolution honors sculptor Kevin Kresse for the Johnny Cash statue in the U.S. Capitol, recognizing his achievement with no legal or funding effect.

READ AND ADOPTED.
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Bill Summary · HR 1081

Summary — H.R. 1081 (Arkansas House Resolution, 95th General Assembly, 2025)

Title / Purpose

H.R. 1081 is a ceremonial House resolution honoring Arkansas sculptor Kevin Kresse for creating the bronze sculpture of music icon Johnny Cash that is now on display in the National Statuary Hall Collection in the United States Capitol. The resolution recognizes Kresse’s artistic achievements and directs that a copy of the resolution be presented to him.

Key provisions

  • Officially honors sculptor Kevin Kresse for creating the Johnny Cash statue now included in the National Statuary Hall Collection.
  • Directs the Chief Clerk of the Arkansas House of Representatives to present a copy of the adopted resolution to Kevin Kresse.
  • Contains biographical and career statements about Kresse and quotes from the artist and Johnny Cash’s daughter, Rosanne Cash, describing the statue’s impact.

This is a non‑binding, commemorative resolution and does not create legal obligations, appropriate funding, or policy changes.

Background on Kevin Kresse (as recited in the resolution)

  • Little Rock native; raised in North Little Rock.
  • Education: Catholic High School for Boys; University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR).
  • Career: Full‑time sculptor and painter; learned bronze casting and developed work through studio practice and teaching.
  • Notable works: bronze busts of Levon Helm and Al Green; "Breaking the Cycle" at Little Rock Riverfront Park; "Mother Earth" fountain at Argenta Art Park; public murals including the Dogtown Proud mural.
  • Awards/recognition: Arkansas Governor’s Art Award (Individual Artist, 2015); 2016 Mid‑America Arts Alliance painting fellowship and representation at the National Endowment for the Arts 50th anniversary event.
  • Quotes included praising the technical and soulful qualities of the Johnny Cash statue; Rosanne Cash described the work as “startling and beautiful.”

Who is affected / Impact

  • Primary subject: Kevin Kresse (honoree).
  • Secondary: Arkansas arts community and public recognition of Arkansas contributions to national cultural heritage.
  • Practical effect: purely honorary — raises public and state recognition for the artist and his work; no regulatory, fiscal, or administrative effects beyond presenting the resolution.

Procedural history & status (selected milestones)

  • Introduced in the Arkansas House: February 6, 2025.
  • Referred to House Committee on Small Business; returned Do Pass by committee (March 17, 2025).
  • Read and adopted by the House: March 19, 2025 (also recorded as adopted May 23, 2025).
  • Reported enrolled: May 24, 2025.
  • Current status: Read and adopted (ceremonial resolution completed in the House).

Sponsors

Primary sponsors: Representative McCullough (House sponsor) and Representative Cory Mills (listed as primary in provided metadata). Cosponsors include Daniel Webster, Vern Buchanan, Scott Perry, Ronny Jackson, W. Gregory Steube, James R. Baird, Scott DesJarlais, Clay Higgins, and others as listed.

Note: H.R. 1081 is a commemorative state House resolution recognizing an individual’s artistic achievement; it does not alter law or appropriate funds.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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