I believe that the disappearance of the Two Wall Gallery is going to be a sore loss for the Island’s artist community. It also sends a message of defeat and disagreement across the Island. It symbolically shows me, a young impressionable teenager, that backing down from a challenge against freedom of speech is acceptable.

It’s not. The way I see it, Vashon Island is supposed to be an equal partnership. When the power goes out across the Island, what do we do? We bring our friends to our houses and huddle together for warmth and to share food.

When someone of great influence dies on the Island, what do we do? We band together and comfort each other, try to help each other grieve.

What do I think should happen?

I think that Dova Silks, the Heron’s Nest and Blooms & Things should all collaboratively keep the gallery up and running as a team.

Ray Rice says in The Beachcomber article that the tenants “can put whatever they want on display.” Well, I want the tenants to display art by Vashon artists of all ages, sexual preferences and styles. I want to be able to be proud of the art on the Island and show my friends from out of town what creativity blossoms from Vashon’s fine homes.

I believe that the stores of three very different types of art (flowers, silks and local arts) have a moral duty to keep the Two Wall Gallery running, despite the power of someone’s influence.

And what am I ready to do as a young artist on Vashon Island?

I will attend any meeting. I will write any letter. I will scream any words. I will produce art in order to keep the famous Two Wall Gallery here.

— Kathleen Yelinek