Clayton doesn't speak for art department

Editor:

In his guest editorial letter of Friday, May 6, Ronald V. Clayton voiced his personal opinions on the future River Campus mural by Gary Lucy. Unfortunately, professor Clayton sought to validate his opinion by stating that his colleagues in the art department at Southeast Missouri State University "universally denounced" the mural and thus shared his opinion. That is definitely not the case, and in fact a number of the current art professors were instructors of Gary Lucy, an alumnus of the Southeast art department, and continue to hold him in high regard.

Professor Clayton's effort to denigrate the abilities and artistic style of Mr. Lucy is without merit and totally unacceptable. Gary Lucy has been very successful with his art career, making an excellent living solely on his creativity and studio production. He is a respected artist in the region. His numerous corporate collectors can attest to that.

Mr. Clayton is but one faculty member in a department of 12 art professionals. He does not speak for them. The selection of Mr. Lucy's mural reflects a broad scheme of factors and considerations in the choices made for development of the River Campus.

The River Campus will be a boon to our community and be invested with great opportunities for generations of students, faculty and people of the region. It will be a very fine cultural and educational center despite Mr. Clayton's ill-spoken opinion.

PATRICIA REAGAN, chairwoman of the Department of Art, Southeast Missouri State University