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Throwing a sheet over a piece of art or pulling the entire work down were just two of the suggestions made by people affronted over a recent art exhibit at Oakville Galleries. 3EAVER Friday, 1 Recently, the galleries has come under fire for mounting the recent work of Vancouver artist Ken Lum. Due to construction, library visitors AKVILLE I Exhibit not offensive protests Galleries director By DIANE HART Special to the Oakville Beaver were detoured through Lum‘s photoâ€"based art, and many said they were offended by the male nudity and coarse language. One person claimed the work was pornographic. But Oakville Galleries director, Francine Perinet, said she was adamant in her refusal to do either and compromised by erecting a small sign warning of nudity in the exhibit. That sign has been removed until the end of the exhibit. "In no way do we think the text on the images are offensive," said Perinet, at a public art forum at Centennial Gallery. "I had all these suggestions from people, and when I asked if they were in favor of censorship, they said of course not. But then, they asked if I could just put it away for two weeks." She said rather than "hide the work away" or censor it any way, she preferred an art forum. "I don‘t position myself as an Evangelist. But I do not believe in silencing people (who. are offended by the work) and so, I would rather acknowledge it and bring it further through an art forum like this," she continued. Perinet said it is important to lisâ€" ten to the community and respond. "But, no, I will not hide the work in a back room or hang a sheet over part of it," said Perinet. The Galleries‘ director said the gallery attendants were subjected to much abuse over the course of the exhibit. "People got pretty hostile and aggressive. But then, you have to explain and that‘s what we‘re here for," said Doris Purchase, a gallery attendant. Frances Peters â€" who admitted she had no art background â€" said she is surprised by the criticism. "For anyone to be offended by the language is ridiculous. You can go to any school and listen to a lot worse. And how can you be offendâ€" ed by the human body?" commentâ€" ed Peters. Peters said gallery viewers have a responsibility to do more than pass judgment after a cursory look at the work. "I think you have a responsibility to look twice," she said. Perinet said they had more peoâ€" ple come through the exhibit since the controversy began, more than a month after the show opened. In the comment book, gallery visitors spoke of their support for the work and for the Galleries. Perinet said she has received other calls of supâ€" port. She said she has had to reflect on exactly what level of responsibility a public art gallery has to the comâ€" munity and what role it must play when a controversy begins. A few of the 25 or so people attending the public forum were disâ€" appointed there was not more peoâ€" ple in attendance and questioned how the Galleries advertised it. Perinet said as well as press releasâ€" es, the Galleries relied on word of mouth and calls to Oakville Arts Council, high schools, Sheridan College, and other arts organizaâ€" tions. As well, it was announced at the current art lecture series. "We did all we could do in such a short time," said coâ€"curator Marnie Fleming, one of the panâ€" elists at the forum. Artist and Oakville Galleries board member, Kim Tomezak, said the controversy over the work should be perceived as positive, despite the fact people got ‘hot under the collar‘.."We tend to think people should like the work because we like it, and I think that‘s preâ€" sumptuous," said Tomezak. Coâ€"curators Fleming and Richard Rhodes spoke about the artist, his 15 years as a Canadian artist, and the fact he is far more known internationally than in his own country. Both spoke of Lum‘s clarity and accessibility, as well as, his focus on meticulously staged moments in everyday life. St. Simon‘s will host an exhibiâ€" tion and sale of the works of local artists Joyce Kellock and Ed Boyer during the week Nov. 18th to 26th from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. The exhibit begins with a wine and cheese reception tonight at 7 Kellock has paintings in private galleries and public collections in Canada and abroad. She is well known for her paintings of children in the landscape and one of her works was chosen by Unicef in Canada, USA and Europe for a 1992 Christmas card. Boyer studied under Jack Reid, Gerry Puley and Kellock and since his retirement, he has enjoyed his lifetime hobby pamtmg in watercolors and sketchâ€" ing. Kellock exhibit