Responding to Floyd's Commentary..

[Zoe Perry-Wood]

I have been drafting a response to the commentary published last week.  Please reply with feedback and whether you would add your name to this letter to the editor...

The launching of the first annual Lexington Open Studios, one year ago, was welcomed by many Lexington artists and art lovers.  Creating this type of event had been a topic of discussion for many years.  It sat on the “To Do” list of the Lexington Council for the Arts, but the Council did not have the staffing or infrastructure to organized such an event.  As one of the major in Lexington, it was appropriate for The Munroe Center for the Arts to play a major role in initiating, organizing and supporting the Lexington Open Studios ‘09 event.  A small group of dedicated artists collaborated with the Munroe Center and worked hard to make the event a success.  As Lexington artists, we owe a depth of gratitude to the Munroe Center and all the artists who worked on the event. 

 

Norma Floyd’s Commentary, published on April 1^st, appears as an attempt to poison the good work that the Munroe Center does, publicizes much misinformation and create a negative culture of criticism and complaint.  One specific piece of misinformation is that she claims the Open Studio ’09 event was organized by one artist.  The artist in question stated herself, “My design work was a small contribution done for and along with other artists for Lexington Open Studios ’09 event.” Artists have so many hurtles to jump in making art and supporting ourselves, criticizing each other and the very organizes that support us does not work toward supporting the arts in Lexington.

 

Organizing for The Lexington Open Studios 2010 event, has been underway for many months.  The small group of artists has grown larger this year and is collaborating not only with the Munroe Center but also with the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society.  In addition to opening their studios and participating in the event, Lexington artists are welcome to join the organizing group.  Come see for yourself what it can be like to make a positive contribution toward growing a community of artists in Lexington.  Art lovers can support the arts in Lexington by marking May 15-16^th in their calendar and visiting some of the many talented artists in town, buying their art or just giving encouragement and positive feedback.  

Zoe Perry-Wood Chair Lexington Council for the Arts, 

Zoe Perry-Wood CAGS, NCSP

Nationally Certified School Psychologist

67 Gleason Road

Lexington, MA 02420

Zoe.Pe...@gmail.com

Zoe.Per...@comcast.net

http://www.zoe-photos.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeperrywood

617 803-4659

You think that the goal is to be over there, and we say the goal is the journey over there; the goal is the fun you have along the way on your way to over there.                                                                         Abraham-Hicks   All is well

[Emily Passman]

Great and yes I would sign my name! I highlighted some question marks where I think you are missing a word?

Em

I have been drafting a response to the commentary published last week.  Please reply with feedback and whether you would add your name to this letter to the editor...

The launching of the first annual Lexington Open Studios, one year ago, was welcomed by many Lexington artists and art lovers.  Creating this type of event had been a topic of discussion for many years.  It sat on the "To Do" list of the Lexington Council for the Arts, but the Council did not have the staffing or infrastructure to organized such an event.  As one of the major ??? in Lexington, it was appropriate for The Munroe Center for the Arts to play a major role in initiating, organizing and supporting the Lexington Open Studios '09 event.  A small group of dedicated artists collaborated with the Munroe Center and worked hard to make the event a success.  As Lexington artists, we owe a depth of gratitude to the Munroe Center and all the artists who worked on the event.

 

Norma Floyd's Commentary, published on April 1st, appears as an attempt to poison the good work that the Munroe Center does, publicizes much misinformation and create a negative culture of criticism and complaint.  One specific piece of misinformation is that she claims the Open Studio '09 event was organized by one artist.  The artist in question stated herself, "My design work was a small contribution done for and along with other artists for Lexington Open Studios '09 event." Artists have so many hurtles to jump in making art and supporting ourselves, criticizing each other and the very organizes that support us does not work toward supporting the arts in Lexington.

 

Organizing for The Lexington Open Studios 2010 event, has been underway for many months.  The small group of artists has grown larger this year and is collaborating not only with the Munroe Center but also with the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society.  In addition to opening their studios and participating in the event, Lexington artists are welcome to join the organizing group.  Come see for yourself what it can be like to make a positive contribution toward growing a community of artists in Lexington.  Art lovers can support the arts in Lexington by marking May 15-16th in their calendar and visiting some of the many talented artists in town, buying their art or just giving encouragement and positive feedback.

Zoe Perry-Wood Chair Lexington Council for the Arts, 

Zoe Perry-Wood CAGS, NCSP

Nationally Certified School Psychologist

67 Gleason Road

Lexington, MA 02420

Zoe.Pe...@gmail.com

Zoe.Per...@comcast.net

http://www.zoe-photos.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeperrywood

617 803-4659

You think that the goal is to be over there, and we say the goal is the journey over there; the goal is the fun you have along the way on your way to over there.                                                                         Abraham-Hicks                   All is well

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[Elaine Adler]

As I shared at the LOS mtg, I feel that the best course would be to allow Norma's letter to fade into the woodwork and be forgotten rather than giving her credibility with a response, and rather than keeping her comments bubbling in the air.  Some things are best left alone, and I think this is one of those times.

While I am not comfortable signing my name to a rebuttal such as the one proposed, I do care how one is worded if others feel it is a necessity.  There are a number of places in the original where language and word choices need to be corrected or filled in (my old editor's hat) to make this credible.  

I am offering a version with a different slant for your consideration.  I have framed it with a positive approach.  No names.  No quotes.  Not even a reminder of who was mentioned or specific comments.  We can rise above mud-slinging.  The subtlety of the language might cause some to realize that this addresses "her" diatribe, but for those who didn't see it or may have forgotten already, it can be just a fresh, positive take on LOS.  Feel free to ignore it, use some of it, or use all of it.  If it's used as is, I'm happy to have my name attached to it along with others.  If you go with the original tone, or combine some of it with the original, please do not include my name.

My rewrite:_________________________________________

Over 90 independent and group-affiliated Lexington artists were delighted to join last year's first annual Lexington Open Studios, offering an art-filled day for the entire Lexington community.  While creating this type of event had been on the Lexington Council for the Arts "to-do" list for many years, lack of staffing and infrastructure had prevented its becoming a reality.  The idea finally was brought to fruition when The Munroe Center for the Arts offered to contribute some of the support needed to initiate, organize, and support Lexington Open Studios 2009.  As one of Lexington's major supporters of the arts, they had the tools and staff to help pull it off.  All Lexington-affiliated artists were welcome to participate.  A dedicated band of independent artists collaborated side-by-side with artists and staff from The Munroe Center to pull off a successful first annual Lexington Open Studios weekend.  All participating artists and those who visited studios made it a great success.

Those who worked on reaching out to artists, developing a database of participants, designing publicity and a map of studios, developing a web site, distributing flyers, and supporting artists to help make their experience successful, know that it took a team effort to get it all done.  The experience brought to light some artists who work quietly out of their homes, relatively unknown.  New friendships were built as artists met other artists, and a supportive community was formed, eager for more Lexington Open Studios in years to come.

Planning for Lexington Open Studios 2010, which will take place the weekend of May 15 and 16, officially began last Fall.  Even more artists are participating this year.  Once again, a dedicated team is working on all aspects of the organization needed.  The Lexington Arts and Crafts Society has joined the planning team, along with independent artists, the Munroe Center, and the Lexington Council for the Arts.  Anyone participating is welcome to join the planning team to contribute time and talent for another successful event.  

We hope all art lovers will mark May 15 and 16 on your calendars.  Watch for maps that will be available at the library and other places around town so you will know where the studios are.  Visit www.lexingtonopenstudios.org for information about artists and the event as it is added to the web site.  Plan to visit some of the many talented artists in town in their own studios or in group spaces at the Lexington Depot building, the Munroe Center for the Arts, and the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society.  Be astounded by all the talent we have in Lexington, and maybe go home with some of their work to grace your home.  As the saying goes, it takes a village to make it happen.

[Anna Goszczynska]

Thank you, Elaine. I agree with your comments a 100% and I like your version of the text.
I strongly disagree with the original response and I would be against publishing it even if the others think it is nesessary.

Sincerely,
Anna Goszczynska

[Christian Herold]

Dear Zoe,

Thank you for this great letter! Whether or not you follow Elaine's suggestions, this or a similar letter and the support of our peers would mean a great deal to us at Munroe who have been under siege of late.

I appreciate the feelings of those who do not want to participate in what to them may seem a public pillorying. The letter could take a more neutral tone. It could still refer to Floyd, but not accuse her of poisoning, nor imply that she is intentionally misinforming, but merely explain that she was mistaken.

I don't know if it would influence Elaine's opinion here to know that this letter is not an isolated incident; while it might be soon forgotten, Norma Floyd may keep at it: she has publicly attacked Munroe at least three times in 2010 already: in the Minuteman, in the Town Meeting Member Association blog (which also included an ad hominem attack against one of Munroe's school directors, repeated in the Minuteman letter with respect to income), and at a League of Women Voter's meeting. Consider what she is saying: Munroe should be dismantled for the good of the arts in Lexington, and that lots of Lexington artists feel this way. She is saying this repeatedly. Zoe's letter would clearly put on the table of public discourse the question of the accuracy of Floyd's comments, not only through evidence, but in the act insofar as Lexington artists demonstrate their support.

Yours very truly,

Christian

[Carole Parrish]

Christian,

Can you take me off your email list?

Thanks,

Carole

[Christian Herold]

Hi, Carole.

Ah, it would be a pity to lose you. Do you want to be put back on after this controversy ends?

I'll send your request to Zoe, who manages the google groups list and to Beverly, who manages the 2010 LOS list.

Cheers,

Christian

[Elaine Adler]

While I can appreciate that those at the Munroe Center are feeling attacked by a one-woman campaign, I continue to feel that it gives her too much credibility to rise to her bait.  Surely educated Lexington citizens are aware of her tactics and know how to categorize them without our help.  Such people usually tend to shoot themselves in the foot in the end.

I feel it's important that Munroe not shoot itself in the foot in its response.  A letter that names her, refers directly to her, refutes her specifically, not only gives her too much power, but it puts Munroe in the same category.  Why not stand taller, not take the attacks personally, and take a positive stand?  Why not demonstrate that Munroe is worthy of the support of those who want to support an organization that frames itself in a positive light?  Lexington artists can demonstrate their support for Munroe without resorting to naming and negativity.  In fact, more artists may feel they can support such an attempt if it were kept positive and forward thinking.  We have a choice:  we can react out of fear and backlash, or we can react by taking the opportunity for a fresh and positive approach that shows how great we are.

Personally, I would have difficulty affiliating with an organization that chose fear and backlash, because, by association, it reflects on me - and on all others with connections to the organization.  I have severed associations with many organizations on such moral grounds.

Christian, you seem to be good at approaching difficult people and searching for a reduction of tension.  Have you, or has anyone, approached  NF to have a heart to heart?  To find out what is stimulating her anger?  Maybe she just wants to be acknowledged, to feel respected?  Maybe all it would take to diffuse her anger is to have an opportunity to share her ideas and opinions in a reasonable forum?  Has she been left out at some point, leading to her anger?  Would she respond to an invitation to join one of our meetings to see what we can do to help her feel better about shared support of the arts in Lexington?  Does anyone know her?    Maybe I'm just naive, but isn't it worth an attempt at resolution where everyone can come out smelling like a rose?

Blessings,

elaine

[Zoe]

Elaine -
Thank you for putting the time into creating an alternative response.
Your approach it is more within my normal way of responding to these
kind of attacks. I don't usually like to give attackers the attention
they are asking for. But, I have watched the criticism of the Munroe
Center for a number of years now. The attacks are sometimes very
personal and nasty, and seem to be by a small group of vocal people.
I think they are contributing to a negative culture around the arts in
Lexington. It is one thing to have a healthy debate about the
ownership and use of a town owned building, but to denigrate and tear
down organizations that are contributing in a positive way to the arts
in our town, is another thing entirely.

The letter I am attaching is attempting to address at least one piece
of misinformation, state that we, as participating artists appreaciate
the Munroe Center, and at the same time question the free flowing
criticism coming at the Munroe Center and suggest that positive
involvement is a better approach toward change - if change is wanted -
all in 300 words or less...

Elaine's letter seems to be more of an really wonderful advertisement
for LOS with some history of the development. Maybe this is a letter
that could be published in a few weeks closer to the event? That way
we could both address the Commentary and put forward a positive
advertisement- Just a thought...

And on that point, both letters are too long to meet the requirements
for the letters to the editor. Elaine's is 150 words too long and
mine was 80. Here is an edited down version that includes some
feedback I have received from others in addition to Elaine. It gets
within 6 words of the 300 word requirement. In addition to Emily, who
will put their names on this letter? Elaine or someone wants to edit
her letter we can put them side by side and either go with the one
that gets the most names or submit both or. One alternative to this
letter cold be to edit out "appears as an attempt to damage the
reputation and good work of MCA and" that would still address the
misinformation but not take on the obvious - that the Commentary is a
direct attack... Take a look at this 300 word version:

The launching of the first annual Lexington Open Studios (LOS), one
year ago, was welcomed by many Lexington artists and art lovers. It
was appropriate for The Munroe Center for the Arts (MCA), as an
organization with the tools and staff to pull it off, to play a major
role in initiating, organizing and supporting the LOS ‘09 event. MCA
worked hand in hand with the Lexington Arts and Crafts Society, Depot
Square Artists and the more than 90 participating artists last year.
As Lexington artists, we owe a depth of gratitude to MCA and all the

artists who worked on the event.

The Commentary, “Supporting The Arts”, published on April 1st, appears
as an attempt to damage the reputation and good work of MCA and
publicizes much misinformation. For example, it is claimed that Open
Studio ’09 was organized by one artist, when in fact, the artist in
questions herself stated, “My design work was a small contribution

done for and along with other artists for Lexington Open Studios

’09.” Positive involvement will go much further than this kind of
criticism in supporting the arts in Lexington. Artists have so many
hurtles to jump in making and supporting our art; tearing down the
very organizations that support us works against our common goal of
supporting creative expression.

The group of artists organizing the Lexington Open Studios 2010 event,
has grown larger this year and continues to collaborate with MCA and
LAC. In addition to opening their studios, Lexington artists can
contribute their time and talent to the planning team and be a part of
a growing community of collaborative artists in Lexington. Art lovers
can support the event by marking May 15-16th in their calendar and
visiting some of the many talented artists in town, buying their art,

or just giving encouragement and positive feedback.

On Apr 10, 1:03 pm, Christian Herold <Christ...@MunroeCenter.org>
wrote:

> >www.lexingtonopenstudios.orgfor information about artists and the event

> > artists for *Lexington Open Studios ’09* event.” Artists have so many

> > hurtles to jump in making art and supporting ourselves, criticizing each
> > other and the very organizes that support us does not work toward supporting
> > the arts in Lexington.
>
> > Organizing for The Lexington Open Studios 2010 event, has been underway for
> > many months.  The small group of artists has grown larger this year and is
> > collaborating not only with the Munroe Center but also with the Lexington
> > Arts and Crafts Society.  In addition to opening their studios and
> > participating in the event, Lexington artists are welcome to join the
> > organizing group.  Come see for yourself what it can be like to make a
> > positive contribution toward growing a community of artists in Lexington.
> > Art lovers can support the arts in Lexington by marking May 15-16th in
> > their calendar and visiting some of the many talented artists in town,
> > buying their art or just giving encouragement and positive feedback.
>
> > Zoe Perry-Wood Chair Lexington Council for the Arts,
>
> > Zoe Perry-Wood CAGS, NCSP
> > Nationally Certified School Psychologist
> > 67 Gleason Road
> > Lexington, MA 02420

> > Zoe.PerryW...@gmail.com
> > Zoe.Perry-W...@comcast.net

> >http://www.zoe-photos.com/
> >http://www.linkedin.com/in/zoeperrywood
> > 617 803-4659
>
> > You think that the goal is to be over there, and we say the goal is the
> > journey over there; the goal is the fun you have along the way on your way
> > to over there.
> >           Abraham-Hicks   All is well
>
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> > lexingtonopenstu...@googlegroups.com.
> > For more options, visit this group at
> >http://groups.google.com/group/lexingtonopenstudios?hl=en.
>
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