Photo didn't show positive side of art class

To the editor:

While I am happy with the words of the article, I am very disappointed in the picture chosen to represent St. Vincent de Paul Catholic School and its art class in the Learning page feature Feb. 12.

To highlight and promote art in our schools, it would have been a better choice to feature a picture that showed a child who was excited about art. Showing a child who is a "little bored" did not present art in our schools in a positive light. It hurts a dedicated art teacher, Desi Palmer, a good school and children who are truly excited about art and their art class.

As a parent of a child at St. Vincent's, this type of featured photo is insulting to the wonderfully dedicated staff and students. I feel fortunate for my daughter to have an art teacher such as Palmer to take the time to individually help students and help them strive to enter such contests. I feel that an apology for this choice of photo would be appropriate and appreciated by Palmer and the rest of the staff.

It would also be appropriate to run a story about and showing the excellent artwork created at St. Vincent's showing that teachers and children are excited about art, not bored.

SUSAN AYERS

Cape Girardeau