Nov. 9, 2001
Open statement to Marcellee Gralapp, Boulder, Colorado, Public Library's art director, and to the Boulder City Council
Ms. Gralapp:
Severed penis art doesn't make me feel welcome, and I'm a woman. Do you think it would make men or boys feel comfortable? Or aren't you being false when you speak of your objectivity and inclusiveness? Shame on you and your divisive fringe agenda. And shame on the Boulder City Council for funding this hate-art with taxpayer dollars.
(aka Havisham)
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...and the response from Keith Richardson, Boulder City Council
Dear Citizen,
Thank you for your recent letter to the Boulder City Council. We understand your concern.
The art exhibit, titled "Art Triumphs over Domestic Violence," is sponsored by Boulder County Safehouse and was developed in connection to Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The exhibit contains about 50 pieces, all selected for the show by Safehouse. It opened on Oct. 19 and will close Nov. 26.
The pieces for the exhibit were solicited by Safehouse and feature art created by survivors of abuse, their supporters and others who envision an end to violence everywhere.
This is not the first time nudes have been depicted at the Canyon Gallery. An exhibit ran for six weeks in the summer 2000 containing both female and male nudes. This exhibit received one complaint.
Although the current exhibit has been on display since mid-October, library staff received the first complaints about it on Monday. In response to the concerns, library staff have placed a sign in the gallery to warn patrons that the exhibit contains sexually explicit material.
The flying of a U.S. Flag in the library entrance was a separate issue. It has been addressed and flags are both inside and outside of the library facility.
Again, we appreciate your input.
Sincerely,
Keith Richardson
Boulder City Council
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"The pieces for the exhibit were solicited by Safehouse and feature art created by survivors of abuse, their supporters and others who envision an end to violence everywhere."
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Safehouse or Deranged-house?
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