Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue
An email by Marlene Paul, co-founder and executive director of Art 180, says that the organization has been ordered to remove their exhibition of 8-foot-tall self-portraits by 25 sixth grade students from the median of Monument Avenue by Friday. While Art 180 has a permit to keep the display up until early May, there have been complaints about the artwork being in place during the Easter Parade.
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UPDATE (3/31 7:30PM): 2nd District Councilman Charles Samuels has said that he will be able to comment on Sunday.
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UPDATE (4/1 8:27AM): From Art 180 – Update from Byron Marshall: “Please be advised that neither the Mayor or I have ordered the permit to be revoked. I have become aware of this issue in the last 30 minutes and am reviewing the facts. Once I have the information I will update you and others who have inquired about this issue. Nothing precipitous will transpire before my review is completed.”
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UPDATE (4/1 3:30PM): A statement from Charles Samuels.
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UPDATE (4/2 8:45AM):
From Allen Rothert, Special Event/Film Project Coordinator:
Much discussion and confusion occurred over the weekend. This morning city staff will meet to discuss and resolve issues. Will have to get back to you after that….aound 1pm.
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UPDATE (4/2 11:35AM): Councilman Samuels sent out an additional release stating d that “we have resolution for the murals during Easter on Parade.” More here.
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Despite the enormous outpouring of positive comments we’ve heard about our Monument Avenue exhibition–and the great photo on the front page of yesterday’s Times-Dispatch, we have been ordered to remove them by Friday.
This is a shock and disappointment, given that we have been working since last summer to follow protocol and seek the necessary approval, and we have a permit from the City’s Department of Public Works for them to remain on Monument until May 4.
Some of our fellow citizens feel that we should never have been granted permission to display the portraits on The Grand Avenue, and this is a case of people w/ money and influence vetoing City authority–where is the fairness in that? I spoke directly with one of these unhappy Monument residents, who had already contacted the Mayor’s office and won over Councilman Charles Samuels (who is, conveniently, up for reelection in a hotly-contested race). This one resident is apparently not alone, as there have been other complaints to City Hall. I don’t know how many, and I am struggling to understand why their voices can cause the revocation of a legally obtained permit. I am equal parts outraged, brokenhearted, exasperated, and proud that the portraits are on Monument right now, regardless of how long they stay.
ART 180: “What Do You Stand For” from Community Idea Stations on Vimeo.
Comments, gentlemen? @DiradourforRVA @crsamuels | Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Ave http://t.co/geC3hSD9
Booo! RT @fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/tlZKAKgs
RT @fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/JOODHQlL
“@fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/vBWl238x #rva” what a crock!
RT @fanofthefan: @BrandKP @art180 @pjsykes Just posted the story here, please share! http://t.co/geC3hSD9
Help save @Art180 exhibit on Monument Ave in #RVA! http://t.co/qJc9ugCe
Time to Occupy Monument Ave. #99percent #OWS RT @fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Ave http://t.co/2oHwirRT
Are legal rights and justice really being overturned right here in #RVA?! So disappointed. http://t.co/Ip65boki
Unbelievable. The artwork is beautiful! RT @fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/hzsQuUSB #rva
This is a shame!!!! Maybe the Easter Parade needs to MOVE!
They have a permit, what the heck… RT@fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/1f6qPq3f #rva”
#RVA I am so disappointed in you. RT @fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/NBXJl9s8 #rva
Councilman Charles Samuels describes the situation as “administration crossed wires” and says he’ll be able to clarify more tomorrow. I invited him to comment here directly.
NO!!! “@fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/aoctEwdy #rva”
tell BYRON.MARSHALL@richmondgov.com you disagree w his revoking Art 180′s permit ! http://t.co/OnMRgv4n #rva
This is disappointing and egregious. Do these pieces of art disturb the daily (rain permitting) bean bag toss tournaments that go on in the middle of Monument Ave. I would hate to think of how many bean bags get blocked by some child’s endeavor into learning. I’d probably spill my Dixie cup of various alcoholic beverages all over my self in a fit of rage. Plus I hate to think of the socially-damning, awkward tan lines I would get during my median tanning sessions. UGH what was Art180 thinking?!?
Councilman Samuels said that he will be able to comment tomorrow on the order for Art 180 to clear off of Monument http://t.co/geC3hSD9
.@ART180 I’m literally crying over you guys having to remove your beautiful project from Monument. Sometimes rich people can be such drags.
The @ART180 project on Monument Ave. is called What Do You Stand For? http://t.co/g3InBQZ5 I STAND FOR IT STAYING. #RVA
that is such a shame–the art 180 exhibit brightens up monument avenue! it’s cheerful and exciting and it highlights the talent of our city’s youth. also…not everyone celebrates easter. maybe the art should be allowed to coincide with a parade that celebrates a specific religious season.
Fan of the Fan: @ART180 says mayor’s office, Councilman Charles Samuels bend to pressure from Monument residents http://t.co/QSoGkjhm
What do you stand for? @fanofthefan @DiradourforRVA @crsamuels | Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Ave http://t.co/2eP77tcL
RT @StyleWeekly: @ART180 has its permit pulled for its traveling exhibit of children’s art on Monument Avenue: http://t.co/QSoGkjhm / City politics at play?
I can’t believe this. Richmond finally incorporated art into the city outside of the confines of First Friday and I was thrilled. These paintings made my drive down Monument enjoyable. I love seeing the paintings every day. These aren’t just Ny paintings, these express the beliefs of six graders and what those children stand for. I would love to see the people that complained explain to the kids that they are being taken down. What kind of message does that send to them? The claim that the paintings can interfere with the Easter parade is ridiculous. That parade is pointless unless you need an outlet for idiotic hats and dogs. If you can’t deal with the paintings for a month then you are selfish. Get over it.
Really rich people? This was such an awesome thing. http://t.co/iPhm0bTC
Leave em up!!! “@fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/nVxYpS4D #rva”
Don’t stand for this RT @fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/cxLDQt8K #rva
These paintings were one of the bright spots today during the 10K. I enjoyed looking at all of them and reading what the kids had written. Friends have posted pics on FB over the past week and every time I drove down Monument they made me smile.
If a permit was given, a permit should remain in place even if a bunch of people start pulling strings. If someone works within the system, follows all the rules/regulations, gets a permit, and then has the rug pulled out from underneath (especially when the system shows you that a bunch of complaints can ruin a good time for everyone), the system itself is weakened.
If you want to take something offensive down why don’t we start with the statues instead of artistic expressions of self-worth by children.
oh brother where #art though in #RVA?! help save @Art180 permit for paintings on monument ave! http://t.co/qJc9ugCe
Via @fanofthefan cc: @DiradourforRVA @crsamuels | Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Ave http://t.co/u5PF9u5V
Patently outrageous. #RVA, stop kicking yourself in the ass. http://t.co/yuvRDICk
Ridiculous RT @sarvay: Patently outrageous. #RVA, stop kicking yourself in the ass. http://t.co/CN0d850c
Amen, Kati. The real offense is leaving up statues of people who fought for our ability to own people, not pictures drawn by children.
Agreed “@nGarramone: Unbelievable. The artwork is beautiful! RT @fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits http://t.co/uzgWOI8L #rva”
Who knew title of #RVA @Art180 “What Do You Stand For?” would become our cry for saving it? Call ur council member! http://t.co/bdF46pgR
@crsamuels why don’t you comment publicly and swiftly like a city council member should? @art180 @fanofthefan #RVA http://t.co/qJc9ugCe
“@sarvay: Patently outrageous. #RVA, stop kicking yourself in the ass. http://t.co/TLF5qJQp” What a shame.
RVA Thoughs? http://t.co/rDYPIqZM http://t.co/NgnHKFiL
RVA…Thoughts? http://t.co/rDYPIqZM http://t.co/3XmRsXfR
Just a thought… I would *love* to have one of these in my neighborhood / front yard for a month. If they are going to be removed from Monument Avenue perhaps other neighborhoods in the city would welcome the opportunity to support this great project!
@YourAnonNews the 1% force 6th graders self-portraits to be taken down in Richmond, VA historic Monument Ave http://t.co/SARiWTYR
Way to go, #rva…ugh.
#bullshit!!! #rva should be ashamed “@chpn: RT @fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/78F0igY0“
This has been picked up by Richmond.com:
Monument Ave. Art 180 Project Forced to Move?
http://www2.richmond.com/entertainment/2012/mar/26/5/what-do-you-stand-monument-ave-ar-1788710/
[...] very saddened by the recent story that I read on Fan of the Fan:Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue. With all the excitement regarding the art projects happening right now in the city, I believe this [...]
on a positive note, Mad palms going out to Jesus Christ tomorrow…I can just see him on a sweet Ass riding down a kid-art free Monument Ave
Robert E Lee will be relieved once all that kid’s art is cleared out … long live the south’s hardy and steadfast stubborness #ART180
Oh #RVA, @ART180 exhibit on Monument Ave is exactly what @VentureRVA Easter on Parade needs! It’s the monuments that merit questioning!
How about WE ALL GET TOGETHER AND GET A VOTE TO VETO STATUES OF SLAVE OWNERS.
shame!
Please vote Samuels out @ART180 mayor’s office: Councilman Charles Samuels bend to pressure from Monument http://t.co/su3WJx2W #RVA
Richmond proving why Virginia was ranked the 4th most-corrupt state in the U.S.A. Way to inspire the next generation of Virginians, Richmond! I’m sure those sixth-graders will have so much faith in their city government after this.
I’ll bet any amount of money Bill Jefferson is somehow behind this.
Thank you EVERYONE for your support, reposts, blog posts, etc. Keep it going! http://t.co/SiWVHzDZ
This is extremely sad. “@fanofthefan: Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue http://t.co/IoGj5I0w #rva”
If a few residents can call, complain and get the permit revoked, than even more residents in support of the exhibition, with positive things to say, can call, express their side and get the permit reinstated!
Wrong. Wrong. Wrong.
Sad commentary on those elite, provincial few who would rather not open their eyes to the realities of many of the youth of RVA. As long as they can have the pristine Avenue it’s easy to pretend everything is ideal in the city.
This is totally whack…some rich schmuck has to ruin everything for these right young kids…
I agree with Kati and Disgusted: The only thing that needs to be removed from the avenue of 2nd place trophies are the disgraceful monuments that glorify the atrocious history of the city. Anyone who seeks to expedite the removal of temporary children’s art exhibit is a bully, plain and simple.
I ART very sure this will not leave early
Call/email these folks and your councilperson — tell them to revoke the revocation!
Mayor Dwight Jones
(804)646-7970
askthemayor@richmondgov.com
2nd district – Charles Samuels
(804)646-6532
Charles.Samuels@Richmondgov.com
James Jackson, Director of Public Works
(804)646-6430
James.A.Jackson@Richmondgov.com
Not a proud moment! BUT in beautiful RVA style the backlash regains my faith!
This really upsets me! Let the Art 180 Art “STAND!” where it should be, a MONUMENT to our youth in Richmond, VA! I love these pieces. If the complainers would just READ what is on the art pieces, they would be inspired!
Oh my, I just made a comment via FB a few days ago about what a great addition to Monument they were, and so many of my friends agreed. I hope the children know that they did a great job w/ those boards and many of us in RVA think they are wonderful!
If the people of this city love our children, and our children create art, then shouldn’t we display our children’s art in a prominent place that shows our pride? The Grand Avenue is Richmond’s front yard. It’s our front yard.
Sounds like the work of Slumlord Millionaire.
Let the rush to judgment and political opportunism begin. There is no reason to wait for facts or explanations before forming an opinion.
Who are these jerks? Art 180 portraits are to be removed from Monument because of neighbors’ complaints. http://t.co/nshGFeas
Jesus Christ. I’m embarrassed (again) to consider myself a Richmonder. It’s disgusting. But i have to agree that when Jesus is looking down on our little Easter parade he will smile when he sees we took down all those shitty pictures. Because everyone knows Jesus loves giant bunnies in top hats, not the little children! Oh, wait…
I understand the disappointment and even outrage at the city’s behavior. They have never been good at checking with their employers (the local taxpayers) before doing things. However, the Easter Parade was there first, and the residents have more authority on that street than anyone else. It’s not an issue of wealth, but rather of ownership and precedence.
Why would this exhibit have to be during the Easter Parade with its’ years of planning and evolution into something grand? If the issue is just being able to exhibit, then simply do the exhibit when there isn’t another event. The artwork would get destroyed at the Easter Parade anyway. It’s a bit of a crowded zoo!
I think the city simply screwed up!
April Fools!
This is upsetting, if all these comments are an indication the support for this installment far outweighs the opposition. I sincerely hope that Councilman Samuels was not responsible for the permit being revoked because that would show a total lack of regard for the administrative process that the city has in place regarding these matters. I certainly hope that the CAO puts a stop to this silliness and that the installment is kept in place.
Honestly i feel the city shouldnt have granted the permit at all without first assessing whether it would impact the aesthetic of our beautiful Avenue. I support Art education 100%, but not when it involves temporarily defacing a National Landmark. These crooked installations with their sandbag supports are hideously tacky and destroy the beauty of Monument Avenue, and it takes an idiot not to see this. Take them down, please!!
As someone who lives on Monument Avenue, I’m thrilled to see the art and the energy that it spawns. The idea that it is for a finite amount of time is great, we can savor it like the spring and then look forward to other inspirations (including an empty median that sets off the fabulous architecture). The City permitting process should make sure that special installations are done safely and responsibly. That being said, it is incumbent on us as a community to embrace projects like this that are done well.
Geeez…it is a month to celebrate art.
Stand back and take a good, hard look at the Easter parade, with its blow-up playgrounds, ill-conceived vendor booths, and myriad “outfits,” not to mention all the drunk partygoers hooting off the residents’ balconies, and THEN tell me that this kid art negatively “impacts the aesthetic of our beautiful Avenue.” Puhleeze.
Charles Samuels has released a statement regarding this bruhaha
Style Weekly has some follow-up:
Avenue Art Stirs Outrage
http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/avenue-art-stirs-outrage/Content?oid=1693257
The Times-Dispatch has a story now:
City tells art group to end Monument exhibit Friday
http://www2.timesdispatch.com/news/2012/apr/01/city-tells-art-group-end-monument-exhibit-friday-ar-1810819/
Lame! We are behind you Art 180! http://rvamag.com/articles/full/14508/hey-art-180-monument-avenue-doesnt-want-your-art
[...] Avenue art walk scheduled for Tuesday evening Join us this Tues night 4 an Art Walk to support @Art180 exhibit. 7pm @ Allen & Monument (Lee Circle) to walk the [...]
wtvr ch6 has picked up the story:
Despite city permit, group says ordered to remove art
http://wtvr.com/2012/04/01/despite-city-permit-group-says-ordered-to-remove-art/
I disagree with this decision on every level. As an Art Education student at VCU, I am simply appalled. I agree with Kate’s thought . . . neighbors, friends, how about a nice display of these kids awesome artwork on your own front lawns/porches? I will volunteer mine. Also, Austin . . . these are not tacky in the least, they are wonderful! Keep them up, please! forever! People who walk their dogs and don’t pick up the waste are tacky.
By the way, I live on Monument Ave. So if we can get a bunch of people to just put them on their porches/yards along monument, that would perhaps be a loophole worth considering.
[...] Richmond Diversion: Nothing precipitous will transpire before my review is completed… Random USA Diversion: Freedom is a good of the human person… Random World Diversion: thrust [...]
[...] was quite surprised & disheartened yesterday morning when I got news that Art 180 was asked by the city to pull their amazing art exhibit “What Do You Stand For?” due to [...]
I’m a Richmond City resident – shame on your Richmond, shame. The reason WHY I purchased a home in The City was because of this colorful city supporting it’s residents, particularly, the youth. Shame on changing your rules because of a supposed few people squawking. How are these posters offensive at all? I’m in Bellevue, Art 180, …you can have my front lawn anytime.
[...] Richmond Chief Administrative Officer Byron Marshall says this afternoon that the artwork must still be removed from the medians on Monument Avenue. Marshall put the blame on someone unnamed in the city, saying that the permit never should have [...]
[...] by a small handful of residents and a scheduling conflict with the Easter on Parade that the art must be removed. I didn’t report it at the time because I had faith that rational thought and logic would [...]
[...] Art 180 ordered to remove portraits from Monument Avenue; Fan of the Fan [...]
[...] G40 Summit murals, I swung by Monument Avenue to see the Art 180 paintings before the organization has to take them down. Art 180 is a fabulous local organization that encourages urban kids express themselves through [...]
I am a VCU fine arts graduate, an art teacher and a Monument Ave resident. I feel the idea was good but the execution is what affronts people. When my students create works for public display, I make every effort to assist them in producing work that shows off the students abilities and promotes the overall effort of the exhibition. While some of the pieces are artistically impressive, to me it looked as though the younger students had little guidance. It should have been someone’s responsibility to assist these younger artists keeping in mind that these where part of an exhibition. Also, while I realize budgeting is always tight, possibly “finishing” the boards would have created a more cohesive and grounded display. I would also like to pose that the question: Is a busy city thoroughfare the best space possible for the works to be seen? When I first saw the boards I thought they were billboards. I am always a cheerleader for any artistic effort and applaud the idea, however I understand the undercurrent of overall dissatisfaction.
[...] “Like so many Richmonders, I was surprised to hear the issues about the Art 180 displays on Monument Avenue. I have always supported and appreciated the work Art 180 has done around the city — [...]