I was surprised and disappointed by the removal of my piece from the Two Wall Gallery. I have a general expectation that the Vashon community is progressive and open-minded. That is the number one reason I choose to reside here.

Although the art scene is particularly conservative in the Northwest, I would hope that our community would welcome, if not appreciate, art as a medium to express ourselves, create dialogue and share ideas. That includes ideas that we do not necessarily agree with. It is alarming to me when any individual or group of people decide for another what is “appropriate” or “reasonable” for another to experience.

I have heard comments from well-meaning people about young children being exposed to the “language” in the piece. With all due respect I have to say, “Please. Really?” If a child is old enough to read it, folks, I have news for you: It is not the first time they have heard it.

My question to you is this: Do you want censorship or do you want art? I would like to believe that this community would welcome the artistic risk-takers, the ones who drive you to “feel,” no matter what that feeling may be.

There is a wonderful quote from Claes Oldenburg. He says, “I am for art that is political-erotical-mystical, that does something other than sit on its ass in a museum.”

I say, yes, Claes Oldenberg, and I hope you will as well.

— Monica Gripman