Frustrated artist

Dear Editor,

I am so disgusted by some people. I really am frustrated.

I have been looking forward to the senior art show for years. I don't know why they have to have it at the HAL thing and I think that's stupid. I think the senior art show should be a completely separate event.

Anyway, I understand that the HAL program includes small children, but the senior show is an opportunity for only seniors to show their best work, and I wanted to show mine.

I was told that I could not show two of my pieces how they were. I was reluctant, but I understood that there would be children there, whose parents would never allow them to see what a naked body looks like.

I guess it is better to raise children to believe that their bodies and other people's bodies are nasty, shameful things.

That's great. So, I covered up the two small "bad parts" with sticky notes. I was told that would be fine.

They were both not only taken down, but I guess it was necessary to lock them in a separate upstairs room. I was told that a couple of children were over there, bending up the sticky notes, or trying to take them off.

Number one, art is delicate. Most of mine is done with pencil or chalk. The displays should not be touched at all. I do not know yet if I was lucky enough to escape that show with all of the pieces unruined. This brings me to another point -- where were their parents?! Just because this is a small town, a lot of parents feel it is OK to let their children run amok. If you decide to have them, then you have a responsibility to watch them.

My art is not "pornography," not even close! It is tasteful and always a work in progress. Is there anywhere I can display my art?

I really appreciate the support of my friends, my family and anyone else mature enough to accept my art. And, I would gladly share my art, with anyone interested in seeing it.

Thank you.

Sarah McPhillips

McCook High School senior