Dear Editor,
I am writing with regard to a recent incident in the library plaza.
Apparently some Kappa Delta students, perhaps thinking they were being funny or clever, wrote a disparaging comment in chalk about a sculptural bench that their fellow students, art students here at ETSU, voluntarily made last year, as an extra project in their introduction to sculpture class.
The project was indeed “service” and is one of many service projects my students have provided for both the campus and the community over the years.
In addition to creating functional art for others to enjoy, my students have also spent many hours volunteering with children, in local schools, at camp and through the Johnson City Area Arts Council.
The students in Kappa Delta may need to be educated about the many ways children can be served; one of the most important means of helping and healing children who have been abused is through exposure to the creative arts. Denigrating the hard work of other students on this campus seems immature and obviously reveals ignorance about the ways in which art can serve to inspire, create cause for thought, and can ultimately bring some small measure of happiness to the world.
Instead of putting the hard work of their fellow students down, perhaps the students who had time to write mean-spirited comments on the plaza should spend some time learning about art.
Catherine MurrayMurray is a associate professor of sculpture in the department of art and design.

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