Mississippi Senate Recognizes Master Chairmaker Greg Harkins for the 2026 Governor's Arts Award

Original title: Recognize Master Craftsman Greg Harkins as recipient of the 2026 Governor's Arts Award for Excellence in Traditional Craft.

Last action · February 4, 2026: 02/04 (S) AdoptedSponsors: Lydia Chassaniol and 7 others

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What This Bill Does

The Mississippi Senate officially recognized Greg Harkins of Thomastown, Mississippi, as the recipient of the 2026 .

Why it matters

Extends formal state recognition to a local craftsman and cultural ambassador; changes no laws, provides no state funding, and alters no government services.

Background

The Governor's Arts Awards have been presented annually since 1988 by the Mississippi Arts Commission in partnership with the Governor's Office. context

Who It Affects

Groups the bill's text affects, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Greg Harkins

Receives formal legislative recognition and congratulations from the Mississippi Senate.

Key Facts

Greg Harkins is named the 2026 Governor's Arts Award recipient for Excellence in Traditional Craft.
The 38th Governor's Arts Awards ceremony is scheduled for February 12, 2026, at The Westin Jackson.
Greg Harkins has 50 years of experience as a master chairmaker and founded Harkins Woodworks in Vaughan in 1978.
Harkins presented a rocking chair to President Ronald Reagan at the Neshoba County Fair in August 1980.

Show all 6 facts

His furniture is distributed across all 50 states and more than 35 countries, with pieces gifted to six Presidents, two Vice Presidents, and Pope John Paul II.
Plans are underway to establish the St. Anne School of Arts and Crafts on his property in Canton.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this resolution change any laws or appropriate state funds?

No. This resolution purely extends formal state recognition and congratulations to Greg Harkins and carries no funding, regulatory changes, or statutory alterations.

What is the Governor's Arts Awards program?

Established in 1988, the Governor's Arts Awards program recognizes individuals and organizations who have made noteworthy contributions to or achieved artistic excellence in Mississippi.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

Current status: signed.

Procedural history

3 actions

Feb 4, 2026SenateFloor
02/04 (S) Adopted
Feb 3, 2026SenateFloor
02/03 (S) Title Suff Do Be Adopted
Jan 20, 2026SenateCommittee
01/20 (S) Referred To Rules

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