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Friday, October I, 1999 THE OAKVILLE BEAVER 17 Artists were told not to exhibit controversial w ork (Continued from page 1) statement, which I find offensive," said McIntyre. "It does an injustice to people who truly experience censor­ ship. She's crying wolf." Town Clerk Judith Muncaster said Town Hall is a public building paid for, and frequented by, residents of Oakville both young and old. It is also the centre of operations for a large municipal workforce. People pay their taxes at Town Hall, Muncaster continued, they reg­ ister for Parks and Recreation pro­ grams and carry out a variety of other business. One thing Town Hall is not, she stressed, is a gallery. There has also never been any intention to com­ pete with Oakville Galleries or any other space. Muncaster said Town staff have no ability to interpret artworks to res­ idents or staff who may want it explained. "(Town Hall) is not the place where we educate popular taste," said McIntyre. Sanowar-Makhan did not return the Oakville Beaver's request for an interview, although a press release she issued this week maintained her piece is an "assertion and celebration of female spiritual power. It is an artistic critique of the oppressive control by organized religion over the freedoms of girls, women their bodies and sex­ uality. Ultra-Maxi Priest represents a deconstruction of the oppressive anti­ woman ideology of the Catholic Church in which the artist was raised." After complaints were received from staff, Muncaster said a decision was made to pull the piece in ques­ tion. She then contacted McIntyre who agreed with the decision. "I completely support Judith in this and I said fine, it shouldn't be there in the first place," said McIntyre, who has neither met nor spoken to Sanowar-Makhan. "This has everything to do with context. I don't know why (Sanowar-Makhan) is doing this. She doesn't know this community." McIntyre explained that "Visual Raaga" is not funded by the OAC nor was it approved by the Art Works Committee. It was arranged by the former Art Works program co-ordina­ tor, Kara Wille, who was trying to help a group of artists by allowing them to use Town Hall for a short period when the walls were bare. In May, exhibition organizer Navjot Verraich approached the Wille with what McIntyre called an "ambi­ tious plan" to mount a South Asia art show. Over the summer, Wille accept­ ed a new position with Opera Hamilton. Although Art Works is designed to showcase local artists, it was not established until later that none of those taking part were from Oakville. McIntyre said it was made clear to all the artists that, given the Town Hall venue, no pieces likely to offend were to be included in the show and that artists must remain sensitive to Town staff and the public. McIntyre said the Town's action is not censorship because the artist knew her work was inappropriate right from the start. "I will fight to the death against censorship, but this wasn't censor­ ship," said McIntyre. "This woman is an absolute queen about getting pub­ licity. It could be quite a scene (Friday) night." MART CORRECTION NOTICE On page 1 of the Vitamins & Herbals insert in the Shoppers Drug Mart flyer in effect from Sunday, September 26th until Saturday, October 2nd, 1999 the Life Brand 100's (400 I.U.) Synthetic Vitamin E Capsules should be priced $4.49 each. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. B i W ay Humpty Dumpty and Doodles Halloween Packs are advertised in our sale flyer for October 2nd through October 8th. Due to a supplier production issue, these products will not be available and no replacement product will be offered. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Elisabeth Hibbert B.Sc., D.Ch. Chiropodist-Foot Specialist • Corns • Calluses • Warts • Heel & Arch Pain • Orthoric Management • Diabetic & Arthritic Footcare • Surgical Care • Nail Care • Pediatric Assessment Trafalgar Wellness Centre Downtown Oakville 145 Trafalgar Road 905-815-0971 r a n d d a u g h te r cousin niece d a u g h te r g ra n d m o th e r : c x • sister - mother wife T h e reasons w e 're ask in g you to run are all re la tiv e . O n e w a y o r another, Breast C ancer m ay a ffe c t som eone that's close to you. So as a natio n a l sponsor, Ford is encou rag ing everyon e to g e t o u t th ere on Sunday, O c to b e r 3rd to support th e C IBC Run fo r th e C ure, raising funds fo r Breast C ancer Research. 1 - 8 0 0 - 3 8 7 - 9 8 1 6 www.ford.ca http://www.ford.ca Artists were told not to exhibit controversial work