Posted on 11/12/2001 9:45:29 AM PST by jalisco555
BOULDER — A controversial art display featuring 21 brightly colored ceramic penises was stolen Saturday from a domestic violence awareness exhibit at a public library.
The work, entitled "Hanging 'Em Out to Dry," was suspended from a clothesline. Someone removed the penises from the clothesline and replaced them with an American flag and a note with a joking reference to a bandit, city spokeswoman Jennifer Bray said.
The library was criticized this month when officials declined to hang a 10- by 15-foot American flag in the lobby, saying it was too big. A smaller flag was put there instead.
Artist Susanne Walker, who created the work, said the theft contradicts the values symbolized by the flag.
"It makes a joke of the pain and suffering involved in this exhibit. If you want to attack me or my artwork, then confront me with discussion," Walker said in a written statement hung in the gallery Saturday.
Police believe the theft occurred in the morning while the library was open. The exhibit is near an auditorium where a children's performance was held Saturday, and police hope someone might have witnessed the theft.
The exhibit, entitled, "Art Triumphs Over Violence," also includes paintings. It is sponsored by the Boulder County Safehouse, which shelters and supports battered women and children.
Many of the works were done by former abuse victims or their relatives.
The stolen artwork, which became a hot topic on talk radio, was placed in a corner, out of the direct view of people entering the library.
Officials also posted a sign warning people they might be offended by the display.
Yeah, right. As if she'd ever be convinced to take it down through rational discussion (that would be the only point of the discussion, wouldn't it?). If she really wanted dialogue, she would have asked for it before putting up the display.
Codewords for femiNAZI man haters displaying their utter contempt for men and children, assisted by lesbian avenger librarians and their sympathizers, with the help of taxpayer funds.
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Now, we both know that the REALLY important question is whether or not the ceramic penises were circumcised, but we won't go there...
To voice your displeasure with the Boulder Public Library's choice to exhibit questionable artwork in areas accessible by minors (to say nothing of taxpayers), please contact their public relations representative:Ina Russell
russelli@boulder.lib.co.us
or call 303-441-4160.
Hafta agree with ya. Where is the men's art display. I've known MORE women who hit their husbands/boyfriends than the other way around and they do it simply because they can. This is just more pc bs.
Interesting point. I wonder if she'd volunteer to sit behind a desk under her "work" with a sign saying, "Let's discuss my art." She's probably afraid of a real confrontation.
Once again, not to make light of her being an abuse victim if she is, but that doesn't give you the right to intentionally offend.
Shalom.
Not in direct view of people entering the library, just near an auditorium where children are passing for a childrens performance.
The left at work again working on your children.
"Oh, let the kids see some penises. It won't hurt them." The old double statndard again.
Let the children see it but don't put it where the adults can see it. The adults might get upset.
If she hates men that bad and she is convinced that all men are evil then she needs help. Her issue of abuse is a valid concern, but there is a better way to display this than a cheap shot at men using a bunch of penis's, especially in a public library.
What has our world come to when we allow this kind of garbage to be displayed! Time to get back to morals and decency laws.
On a related note would they someone to post pictures or statues of vaginas in the library? I would hope not!
Artist Susanne Walker, who created the work, said the theft contradicts the values symbolized by the flag.
This artist contradicts common sense values! Not to mention morality and subjecting children to her hatred and childish art.
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