May 1, 2014
Mayor Michael Coleman
City of Columbus
43
Anytown,
Dear Mayor Coleman,
I was privileged to be a part of the crowd for the Arts mean Business discussion. As an artist, I have long been extremely gratified by the arts focus of your administration. The presentation last night should add much to the creative fire of this City.
I have been a Columbus resident for almost 35 of my 53 years. I’ve worked as a Professional Engineer for 28 years, and have been taking Sculpture Classes at the Cultural Arts Center for most of the last 13 years. I’ve been fortunate to watch the Sculpture Department at the Cultural Arts Center grow into what I would consider to be the premiere program in the City. Many involved in last night's presentation, yourself included, appear to be as committed to the faculty, and the arts in Columbus, as I am.
Yourself, Councilwoman Priscilla Tyson, and Alan McKnight made a compelling case for the arts, and funding the arts, before Mr. Lynch even made the stage. I made note of your references to the role of artists as the "Marines of Economic Development", as well as by the statistics related to the dearth of arts education in our schools and communities. You announced a new executive order, funding the arts. Mr. McKnight commented on the Center's world class teachers. As Mr. Lynch indicated, attendance AND income for the arts have risen of the last few years.
All of these statistics seem to fly in the face of recent developments at the Cultural Arts Center. Walt Herrmann, whom one would think would be the pride of the center, recently had his contract not renewed. This is an instructor, who, along with Ric Stewart, has worked tirelessly to raise the profile of sculpture at CAC. He has created one of Ohio's largest arts organizations, The Art and Artists of. I have known Mr. Herrmann for 8 years, and consider him a friend. I’ve found him to be thoughtful, articulate, and extremely talented, as well as an exceptional teacher who has inspired a huge cross section of this City who take classes at the CAC.
I was there the day that Walter was informed that his Contract would not be renewed. I was also there on an evening when one of the CAC staff told incoming students that it was a mutual decision. I've since heard it characterized as a firing for cause, and a unilateral decision by the Director. Not having heard the conversation, all I can say is that is odd that so many different stories seem to be coming from staff. The real issue for me, however, is that the void left by his departure. To terminate Walt with no plan for his replacement is unconscionable.
I would also like to comment about some recent staff contract discussions that I've recently gotten wind of. My understanding is that the teaching staff is simply looking for a living wage, and to get paid for the time they spend improving the brand of the center. and teaching Columbus residents the fine arts. I'm told that teachers at this center are paid for the three hours of class only, and any time spent burning out molds, or firing sculpture,or pouring. Bronze,is simply donated. Perhaps your administration has not been made aware of this situation, as so much has been made of arts education, and the arts focus of your staff, that I have. A hard time believing these situations to be real. Perhaps, in your zeal to address the myriad issues involved with your vision for the arts, these apparent contradictions to the vision of the arts. In Columbus have yet to be addressed.
Hence, the reason for my letter. If,as you promote, the arts in Columbus are to fulfill their role to improve so many aspects of our community, we need to give some love to the artists. If, there is any interest in shoring up our eroding arts education, it is time to focus on staff retention. If, in the bright shiny vision of Columbus arts, we expect the artists to be the Marines of economic development, they do need to be paid a living wage. The timing could not be better to act. If, we intend, as a community, to do more than talk, it is time.
Sincerely yours,
Ken Goodson
Engineer
Columbus resident
Artist
