Reporter missed mark on arts council

To the editor:

I was disappointed in the reporter's response (Matt Sanders' Oct. 13 column) to the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri event he attended. Perhaps he should have done more research. If he had arrived for the social hour, he would have met the people of our community and the board who attended. He came in when we were on our second course of dinner and everyone was seated.

Did he know the young hostess, who is African American and who helped him to his seat, was with the arts council and helped plan the event? Had he stayed more then two minutes at the First Friday event and checked out the visiting artist, he would not have seen landscapes. He also would have seen a mix of all ages attending.

If he feels out of place, it may be his problem and attitude. I thought he seemed like a nice young man. I would welcome him anytime.

JUDI HUTSON, Cape Girardeau