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Campus Commentary
You Be The
By Jan Travers
Recently a student came to the
Capital Times with a charge that
censorship was taking place on campus.
The student was referring to an incident
where two nude paintings of women
were moved from the art exhibit in the
Gallery Lounge because it was thought
they would be distracting as a backdrop
the the guest speaker, Bertha Waters,
the first speaker for Women's History
Month.
The matter was cleared through
channels before removing the pictures
for what was termed a "short time." But
the fact remains that someone made a
decision for others as to what was
appropriate. Linda Ross, art instructor
and informal coordinator of the art
exhibits said that as an artist, she found
the comments that the display was
offensive "ridiculous. Nudes are a
typical assignment at any art school,"
she said.
But Ross did acknowledge that
the art may have been a distraction.
April Fools
Because complaints have been received about the distance from Olmsted
to the newly proposed library, changes have been made in the master
plan. Pneumatic tubes will be installed connecting the roofs of the two
buildings for quick transportation.
Judge!
"The problem is that the Gallery Lounge
is a multi-function room, It must act as
both an art gallery and a lounge/meeting
room," she said.
Sharleen Martenas, member of
the Women's History Month Task Force
agreed. "We had reserved the room for
that time period. Once in the room we
are captive of what is on the walls. We
have the option, the same as in a
classroom, to structure the room to
create the optimal learning
environment," Martenas said.
Does this mean anyone who
reserves the room is allowed to remove
any or all art on display at the time?
Ross said she wouldn't be happy if just
anyone took art down. When an exhibit
is booked in the Gallery Lounge it takes
hours to arrange and hang it.
Was this censorship? Or does
the fact that the Gallery Lounge is a
multi-purpose room have any effect?
We put it to you, the students, to make
the decision. Take the time to write a
letter to the editor with your opinion.
Capital Times
Russian Points of
Dear Fellow Students,
In the last issue of the Capital
Times I gave you a lengthy account of
my trip to the Soviet Union. I want to
share a bit more with you concerning
that trip, but this time along the lines of
factual information in the event that you
might be interested in travel to the
Soviet Union on your own PEACE
MISSION. If you're an art buff you will
want to visit the Pushkin Museum in
Moscow (and the great Tretyakov
Gallery once it re-opens).
Your visit to their largest
children's toy store will disappoint you,
perhaps, but nevertheless, it is worth a
visit and that is where I bought my
souvenir pins for only pennies. The
name of the store is Children's World.
The Metro is dirt cheap, only
five kopecs (about 8c) and it will take
you almost anywhere in Moscow (the
same deal in Leningrad). I am told that
these beautiful subway stations were
built to serve as bomb shelters. Many
of them have beautiful mosaics, crystal
chandeliers and other works of art.
If you go in the winter season
you must have all the proper clothing
including thermal insulated shoe insoles
is uer than heavy socks.)
RE=E2%=
MEE
Interest
The Bolshoi Theatre is a must
whether you are a ballet or opera fan.
Leningrad is a beautiful city in its own
right. It has been said that it is one of
the most beautiful cities of the world.
In Europe, I rank it third; Paris is first,
Vienna second, and then Leningrad. I
am speaking mostly of its beautiful
architecture. London is a favorite of
mine, but for other reasons: theatre, art
(London's National Gallery). Of course
in Leningrad you will enjoy the Russian
Museum and the world famous
Hermitage.
The school's recent trip was
arranged through the Citizen Exchange
Council. For more information
regarding future travel write ao Andrea
Sengstacken, 18 E. 41st St., New York,
NY 10017. I hope you will enjoy your
peace mission abroad, whether it be to
the Soviet Udion or Greece or China.
P.S. Please remember if you have not
traveled abroad, it will be different. But
then isn't that what it's all about? A
new experience in a new country.
Sincerely,
Gene Albano
April 8, 1987