If the certificates are not thematically consistant with the rest of the
work and with the theme of the show, it would seem that you have curatorial
license to delete these.  He is using his show as a soap box, it would seem.
On the other hand, if these do fall in the catagory of contemporary fraktur,
then he considers himself and his marriage commitment a part of the
unfolding history of this genre, and you may be in for a bit of a ride.
Transition is often bumpy, and this country is speaking out on this subject.

-----Original Message-----
From: Museum discussion list [mailto:[log in to unmask]]On
Behalf Of Candace Perry
Sent: Tuesday, March 09, 2004 9:10 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Help...sticky situation


I work for a small museum in SE PA that interprets the history of a small
German Protestant group. We are private, not church-run, but are associated
with the denomination we interpret. We are located in an area, politically,
that generally votes for the party of our current president.
On Sunday we are opening an exhibition of contemporary fraktur (PA German
decorated manuscripts, if you're not familiar) by an excellent artist, who
also happens to be gay.  This man has led an unusual life; prior to coming
out he was married, had a child -- and was a member of a religious sect here
in PA that is "plain" (meaning they live like the Amish). Very soon after he
came out, he apparently met his partner (mid '90s) and they asked one of the
churches in our denomination (this man grew up in the denomination) for a
commitment ceremony.  Apparently a battle royal ensued.  They went elsewhere
for the ceremony, and there are still some major hard feelings, particularly
with one of our board members, who is active in that church.  Did I lose you
yet?    The board member, who is often outspoken, has actually held his
tongue and allowed us to go about our business in organizing the show. None
of this mattered at all until the artist was hanging his show yesterday.
In the middle of the show is the artist's commitment ceremony certificate,
flanked by two certificates he made for his marriage.  Before I go any
further, I want you to know that personally my views are more in line with
the artist's, so this is very difficult for me.  I don't know if he is
trying to make a political statement (not good), stick it to the church that
wouldn't allow the ceremony (not good) or that he is simply proud and wants
to share with others (okay, but is this the place?) I'm almost thinking that
the commitment piece would be okay, but the marriage stuff also?  I hate to
say it, but it's a little weird.  I don't want our volunteer receptionists
to have to field odd questions, and I don't want to have to answer to anyone
about this man's personal life; I don't think any of us should have to
"defend" him...nor do I want to, and I feel that I am going to put in that
position.
WAAAAAHHHH! His work is really good, and all I wanted to do was have a nice
show.
Any suggestions would be welcomed.
Candace Perry (who is going to stay awake nights worrying about this)
Schwenkfelder Library & Heritage Center

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