So, I figure I will make the letter public. After reading through Milwaukee's reactions regarding the Janet Zweig Public Art piece, I was wondering if I should stay a quiet, unsung hero, or post the letter I sent to the aldermans on my blog and have my boyfriend call me a "muckraker." Well, I decided I like Janet Zweig's project too much to stay quiet. Also, I wanted to inject some amount of class into the situation. I've been a bit ashamed at the level of class on both sides of the spectrum. So far, I've gotten two, very generic quick "Thanks, little girl (pat on the head)" responses:
Dear Alderman (list of names here, I sent them separately),
My name is Anne Harvey and I am a fresh new face in the art scene here in Milwaukee. I just graduated from MIAD in '07 and I have been working hard in this community with high school students, my own personal work, and the late White Whale Collective ever since. I want to put in my two cents about the wonderful project that Ms. Zweig has put together for our city.
I read the summary that Mary Louise Schumacher has posted on her blog and I was dismayed at the attitude of all involved. "Giggling," "sighing," and a general lackadaisical approach is not exactly something that I expected from city leaders regardless of how much you may not agree with this project. This "hilarious" topic is my livelihood! This is how I bring food to the table. Can you appreciate this?
For your credit, if someone tried to explain to me the inner workings of what it takes to be a Milwaukee Alderman, maybe I would be reduced to giggles, boredom and an urge to leave the room. It takes all kind of people to get the job done--realizing this, I think we can call a truce.
For my current job, I bridge the gap between the young aspiring artist and their supportive, proud, yet skeptical parent. I love being able to show parents the need of having arts in the community and I am very encouraged by these people--having no prior interest or knowledge in the arts taking the first step to understand why it is important.
The arts ARE important. The arts are more than just pretty pictures hanging in an art museum. The arts contribute to the architecture of our surroundings, the products we use and often the very way we communicate. When you open a magazine, when you use your toothbrush, when you put on your shoes; that is the work of an artist. We all have a preconceived ideas of "Artist" (bean-bag, beret and tinted sunglasses) until you step back and take a look at what is actually being contributed. Art education encourages to ALL students to become life-long learners.
As for this piece, what will this contribute to the city? It will contribute to this idea of Milwaukee being a place where everyone seeks community and creativity. Regardless of their artistic background, people will recognize this charming art experience, something that may be outside the comfort zone of beer and brats (which are great, don't get me wrong!) but I believe the common misconception is we can't have it because "you don't like it." What isn't to like about having works that someone can take time out of their day to enjoy? What isn't to like about EMPLOYING several MILWAUKEE LOCALS in order to have this piece be a reality. What isn't to like about having Milwaukee be viewed as a cultural city that enjoys dialog from its community?
Again, it comes back down to the initial argument. I may not like or take any interest in what an alderman does, but I realize its importance. Can you extend this understanding to the thousands of Milwaukee creatives that contribute the same?
Lastly, if you don't like the artwork, WHY? Walking out of the room is an inappropriate response, especially when you have several Milwaukee artists, including myself who would be more than happy to take time and discuss with you the possibilities. When a piece of art is started, it almost never looks like the first sketch. Artists love discussing ideas. We are open to possibilities. Engage us and we will respond.
Sincerely,
Anne Harvey
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Well, what are you waiting for? Start writing!