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From:   [log in to unmask]
Date: 96-04-19 20:20:12 EDT

          PHOENIX, April 19 (Reuter) - Consumer products giant Dial
Corp (DL.N) has yanked its support for a local art museum to
protest a controversial exhibit on the American flag.
          In a letter this week to the Phoenix Art Museum, Dial said
the museum could no longer use the company's contributions to
subsidise free admission while the exhibit was on display.
          Dial Chairman John Teets also requested that Dial's name be
removed from the museum's entrance and any other references to
the company be erased.
          ``We also would ask that you continue to advise anyone who
inquires that The Dial Corp is in no way connected to the Old
Glory show,'' said Teets, in an April 17 letter.
          Teets could not be reached for comment on Friday.
          The exhibit, ``Old Glory, the American Flag in Contemporary
Art,'' has drawn the fire of veteran groups here and across the
country. They object to pieces on display they say show
disrespect to the flag and what it stands for.
          Singled out is a piece that features an American flag
stuffed into a toilet, and another that invites visitors to
stand on Old Glory and then record their feelings.
          U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich has
called on museum officials to close the exhibit.
          Museum officials said they called Dial on Friday and assured
them their requests had been honoured.
          Museum Director James Ballinger also said he had been
assured the company would support the museum once the exhibit
finished on June 16.
          ``They have been a supporter of the Phoenix Art Museum and I
have every indication that's what they will do in the future,''
Ballinger said.
          Dial's pullout is the strongest such action taken to date by
a company in response to the museum exhibit. Products made by
the company include laundry detergent and soap.
       ^REUTER@