In 2001, a vandal damaged approximately 600 books at the San Francisco Public Library. The destroyed books were apparently chosen by topic, those which included gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender issues, HIV, women's health and other “controversial” manuscripts. The vandal reshelved the books, and it took some time before they were noticed. Luckily, the man was caught and sentenced to community service, probation and a fine of $9,600.
Santa Fe artists, including painter/feminist theorist Harmony Hammond and sculptor Tom Joyce, along with 42 other Santa Fe artists, have combined their artistic talents for Insight Out. They have used the books to create something meaningful in the face of blatant disrespect for the written word, and mediums range from figurative art to work that uses the salvaged material as media. A catalog of all the works made for the exhibit has also been produced and will be sold for $20.
Insight Out opens with a public reception at the Center for Contemporary Arts (1050 Old Pecos Trail, Santa Fe), June 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. CCA is open noon to 5 p.m. seven days a week. Runs through July 5. (505) 981-1338.
