Bill Storm: A Letter to the Editor

Bill Storm, a photographer and a current exhibitor in our show Visions, has written the following Letter to the Editor of the Post-Standard regarding Katherine Rushworth's review of September 27th. His letter is copied here in its entirety. We cannot say if it will be published by the Post-Standard, or, if it is published, whether and how the P-S will edit it, so this blog entry can both inform you and give you an unedited baseline. Also, feel free to comment by going to the bottom of this entry and clicking on comments.

-Bill Delavan, Director

**Note the letter that follows is Bill Storm's original letter, which he later shortened to fit within the Post-Standard's length limits for Letters to the Editor.


An Art Critic Fails Badly
 
Among the many things that fall into the domain of subjective criticism is the world of art. There is no membership required. Everyone and anyone who wishes to participate can join in with their opinions. That is part of the fun for the viewers and as well as the artists who are trying to convey through their work some expression of what is inside of them.

At a bit more formalized level, we have the interjection of the art critic.â These folks can provide a rallying point for individuals who may share a particular critic's sensibilities. Done well, the critic can be an educator and a motivating factor in any community to help promote the arts. So while one may or may not agree with the critics subjective views of some art, a positive dialog can be fostered that is stimulating and benefits all concerned.

Unfortunately, Post-Standard contributing writer Katherine Rushworth, in her September 27, 2009 review of the Delavan Art Gallery fell badly in reaching the level of a respected art critic. From the onset of the article it was blatantly clear that Rushworth had a personal agenda with the gallery and it wasn't a constructive one. Rushmore made it plain she did not like the manner in which the gallery operates. On that note she then let loose with lines laced with contempt that quickly lost any credibly in the context of her disturbing approach. Interestingly, her comments about the art appeared to pick up on earlier reviews (Nancy Keefe Rhodes, City Eagle, et al.) and turn positives into negatives.


Art helps reveal what is inside the artist. Writing can do the same. In this instance Rushmore's words spoke volumes about an animosity that had no place in the Post-Standard. The Delavan Art Gallery, all galleries and the community deserve better than this.
-Bill Storm