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SICK MIND
" I could write a long, fancy letter, but the bottom line would be this: It takes a sick, warped mind to look at mutilated body parts, whether they be animal or human, and call it "art". How soon before the doll baby parts are replaced by "real baby" parts?"
Karen Sue Needs, North Canton, Ohio
The Repository, Wednesday, September 20, 1989
Letters to the Editor
LAUGHING MATTER
" An artist is supposedly " a person who works in or is skilled in any of the fine arts."
I'd like to know what skill it takes to stick dead-cat and plastic-doll parts together. Anyone with a sick enough mind to want to, could do it. Nowadays, you can call anything "art" and somebody will buy it. If Raphael wasn't already dead, this would do it; he'd probably die laughing."
Mrs. Jack Fischer, Akron, Ohio
Akron Beacon Journal, Wednesday, September 20, 1989
Voice of the People
DOLL PLUS CAT PARTS DON'T MAKE ART
" Were I an artist, I would be infuriated to be placed in the same category as Stephen Paternite. In a nation steeped in unresolved problems of child abuse and animal "sacrifice" for research, it is a sad statement that supposedly intelligent, well-educated "partons of the arts" would consider such loathsome swill creative, let alone support it. Perhaps Paternite should hang-out at neo-natal units of hospitals to see if he could get a child who "didn't make it" for his next exhibition. Or, maybe we should take a closer look at last week's theft of a man's head from a corpse in a mausoleum in the Nimishillen Township cemetery. Might we find his head on the body of St. Francis in an "art" institute somewhere? Well. c'mon, it's artistic license isn't it? Throw that out in the trash can where it belongs. My guess is stray cats wouldn't even have an interest. They've got more class and more important things to do."
Carol Zeh, Manchester, Ohio
Akron Beacon Journal, Friday, September 22, 1989
Voice of the People
" In response to the article on the artist who uses dead cat parts on a baby doll: This is not art; this is not an artist; this is a psycho. The worst of it is the government is funding this sick person when we have homeless and hungry people in this state. What do they have to do to get the help they need? Should they cut up animals, stick them on baby dolls, call it "art" and get funded? This whole incident is enough to make me barf. If you ask me, our so-called government is heartless."
Lyn Csonka, Akron, Ohio
Akron Beacon Journal, Friday, September 22, 1989
Voice of the People
A REAL SICKO
" How long will it be before the artist who uses freeze dried cat parts starts using parts discarded by abortion clinics? I for one think he is a real sicko. This kind of art would make the great artists roll in their graves. I love my cats and don't want them turned into sick art."
R.D. Newton, Canton, Ohio
The Repository, Sunday, September 24, 1989
Letters to the Editor
" After seeing the outrageous display of so-called art at the Canton Art Institute, I believe the person who made those atrocities is demented, deranged and belongs in a mental institution. As a cat lover, I think this man is sick. Every animal deserves a decent burial, not being cut up for some demented person to put on display under the name of art. For this person to call himself an artist, is like calling Jack the Ripper a priest. As for Stuart Warner's article of September 18th, my traditional Siamese cat has more brains in his paw than Warner has in his head."
Mrs. Wilma Almquist, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio
Akron Beacon Journal, Tuesday, October 10, 1989
Voice of the People
CAT FAN WOULD LOVE TO CLAW THIS CREATURE
As secretary-treasurer of The Traditional Siamese Breeders and Fanciers Association, Diana Fueran of Jonesborough, Tenn., is a fervent defender of the feline faith.
And as an art critic, she's no pussycat, either.
In a letter addressed to yours truly, she used terms such "demented," "indecent" and "atrocities" to describe the Creatures of the Night show at the Canton Art Museum.
She suggested that the artist, Stephen Paternite, should be confined to "the nearest mental institution."
I guess she didn't like the exhibit.
But then she came not to praise.Paternite, but to bury his work.
She claims that the traditional Siamese cat, which is featured in Paternites' Kiddle Kat and Kiddie Kat II, Is an endangered species. (Domestic animals such as cats are not listed as endangered species.)
"We demand that the two displays ... be taken (down) and given a proper and respectful burial!!!!! she wrote.
She also wrote that she was forwarding all articles about the exhibit to an attorney.
Having an inquiring mind, I decided to call and ask if she were considering suing either the museum or the artist.
That's when the fur really began to fly.,
That's none of your business! " she replied.
"But you brought up the subject of an attorney in your letter," I said.
"I know who you are! " she said. "You're the one who said that 101 Things To Do With a Dead Cat is a good book! You don't know anything about the concepts of decency! "
Needless to say, the conversation deteriorated from there. She accused me of misrepresenting myself.
True. I said I was a journalist.
"You do not have my permission. to use anything I say!" she said. "You are just as sick as he (Paternite) is"
I'm not sure about her art expertise, but she does know her columnists.
Stuart Warner, Editorial
Akron Beacon Journal, Sunday, October 8, 1989
Stark Naked
On Seeing the picture of "Kiddie Kat II" in the Sept. 15 Beacon Journal, my first reaction was how dehumanizing it was to put a cat's head on a baby. After reading the article, I found people were upset at the use of actual cat parts, but no mention was made of the human form being put with animal parts.
In these disheartening times of abortion, I thought it was a grotesque thing to do with a human baby doll material as it was, anyway. If Paternite wants to practice his artistic efforts, mix up several animals if he must, but leave the human form out of it.
The sight of a cat head on a baby and a baby head on a cat was sickening. It only serves to show that we need to keep up the awareness of respect for life.
ANNE WILLIAMS, Akron
Akron Beacon Journal, Friday Sept. 22, 1989
Voice of the People
DEAD CATS, SMUT AND CENSORSHIP
The recent art-vs. -smut debate came to Northeast Ohio this past week as the Canton Art Institute unveiled an exhibit which features the unlikely use of various animal appendages.
The exhibit - comprised of sculptures fusing together, among other things, dead cat torsos with plastic baby doll heads - has raised the ire of animal rights activists and the question of artistic license.
Are the sculptures legitimate art? Or are they offensive?
If past efforts are any indication, censoring Akron artist Stephen Paternite's art will not work. Although the Canton Art Institute exhibit has not been cancelled, other exhibits dealing with controversial subjects have been victims of banishment.
The most famous, of course, of these banned/cancelled exhibits is Robert Mapplethorpe's "homoerotic and sado-masochistic-tinged" photography exhibit. The Corcoran Gallery in Washington, D.C., bowing to the hyperbolic efforts of mondo-conservative Sen. Jesse Helms and others, pulled an exhibit of the photographs two months ago.
It wasn't right, Helms said, that a government grant helped Mapplethorpe's "smutty" exhibit get on display. Similarly, isolated public outrage over Akron artist Paternite's measly government grant has helped add fuel to Helms' fire.
Both attempts have led to nothing but increased attendance and attention for the "controversial" exhibits. They've also led to more empty, endless bickering and political rhetoric.
It's clear the public will flock to that which it is denied. After being ditched by the Corcoran, a gallery across town grabbed the Mapplethorpe exhibit and in three and a half weeks' time, over 49,000 people had seen the photographs.
Helms has the right to his own taste in art. And so do Congress and museum curators. But when it comes to art, nobody and no institution has the right to be the grand arbiter of public taste.
It seems such a petty thing. As syndicated columnist Sandy Grady pointed out, the National Endowment for the Arts' budget is so meager - it's only a third of the cost of one stealth bomber. And with other pressing problems facing the nation, Congress and other would-be censorers should prioritize their agendas.
Sure, such artworks as a crucifix immersed in urine are bound to offend and shock, but as Picasso said, "Good taste is the enemy of creativiness."
EDITORAIL OPINION
The Buchtelite
Tuesday, September 19, 1989
ROAD KILLS A WORK OF ART?
I can't believe the Canton Art Institute would actually display so-called art made up of a freezedried kitten head attached to a molded rubber body and use other animal parts to make more displays. People who saw this art work thought it was not offensive, fun, humorous and interesting?
The art institute's curator, Joe Hertzi, told the artist Stephen Paternite, that with this display it was "the most excitement we've had in a long time." Was it because some people did find this "exhibit" to be truly apalling?
The museum's director M.J. Albacete asked if Paternite would reconsider displaying some of the sculptures because he was not sure of the community's reaction, but decided to defend the artist's creative freedom. He said "they make a strong social statement."
What social statement is being made? Is it the social statement of shocking people beyond what is normal? I see no social significance to a freeze-dried kitten head and animal body parts attached to other things,
These people who thought this exhibit was so great — do they drive down the road and see defenseless animals lying dead on the road and marvel at what a work of art is lying there? Why not call their friends and tell them to check the new art display on the corner of 5th and Main?
It must be true — "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder."
Pat Clouser, North Canton, Ohio
The Repository, Wednesday, September 27, 1989
Letters to the Editor
HARD TO BELIEVE
It's hard to believe that The Canton Art Institute. would exhibit "Creature Nites of Ohio," Channel 8 of Cleveland covered the story and we viewed it with absolute disgust.
Mr. Albacete may think "most of it is humorous and very, very imaginative," but we think it is sick. If Stephen Paternite's goal is "social comment," it escapes us. Unless it would be to encourage a child (or an adult for that matter) to try to do the same thing and perhaps not wait for an animal who is already dead.
Mr. Albacete and Mr. Paternite may declare themselves animal lovers, but we have seen so-called animal lovers, who keep their animals on a short chain and fail to see that they have enough water fail to keep them well groomed and do not put them under the care of a veterinarian when they need treatment.
To think that the Ohio Arts Council has given grants with taxpayers' money for this type nonsense is another example of wasting the taxpayers' money.
Bill and Ann Roth, Canton, Ohio
The Repository, Wednesday, September 27, 1989
Letters to the Editor
ART SHOW COVERAGE PROTESTED
This is written in protest to your coverage of the so-called "art" exhibit of Stephen Paternite at the Canton Art Institute. I have no quarrel with the institute's right to exhibit "Creature-Nites of Ohio," but only with the media's one-sided coverage of the event.
While you have quoted people stating that they think the sculptures are "humorous" and "interesting" and "It's kind of funny," where are the comments from people who think the exhibit is disgusting?
Of course, Mr. Albacete says he has not heard a single negative comment. How about Cathy Bartko who said, "It's dehumanizing to the cat and the doll. It's not art," and Kym Hall, who said "I think it's disgusting."
In a television interview, Dorothy Bacher stated that she believes this is the product of a sick mind and that it will have an adverse effect on children who view it.
Perhaps Gretchen Fox of Stow is correct when she states, "Anything living has the right to die with dignity. This is the most Godawful infringement on that right that I have seen in my life. I think that man belongs in a hospital if he believes it's art."
One can't help but wonder what the reaction would be to an exhibit of a freeze-dried human head attached to a stuffed toy by the persons who think this show is humorous, interesting and funny.
Elizabeth T. Heysel, Canton
The Repository, Wednesday, September 20, 1989
Letters to the Editor
THE LOWEST FORM OF "ART"'
After a phone call from a friend, I watched Channel 8 news, and I absolutely could not believe my eyes. I'm referring to what was called "art."
I know there are a lot of misconceptions these days as to what is called "art," but this has to be the lowest form.
If this is a person's hobby, it should be his alone and not be viewed publicly.
I cannot believe the Canton Art Institute is permitting such a showing.
As for those of us who are animal lovers, it was a nauseating sight to even see the published photos, let alone to go see the so-called exhibit.
The gentleman seemed quite pleased with his publicity, and as for any negative remarks, as the saying goes, I'm sure "You ain't seen nothing yet."
For those who took the time to view the exhibit, "Birds of a feather, flock together."
The TV interview was edited so severely, it was hardly worth the time given.
D.J. HURST, CANTON
The Repository, Wednesday, September 20, 1989
Letters to the Editor
JUST A CRITTER TODAY, BUT IT'S ART TOMORROW
What happened to the chicken that didn't make it across the road?
It's now an art exhibit in Canton.
Oooooh.
Only a sick puppy would tell a joke like that.
I'm sorry. I'll try not to do it again. I just haven't been able to restrain myself. I've slipped to new depths of sophomoric humor since the opening of Stephen Paternite's dead-pet show at the Canton Art Institute.
I hope the artist doesn't take me to court over this. I've never had a Paternite suit filed against me before.
Anyway, the most talked-about pieces in the exhibit have been Kiddie Kat and Kiddie Kat II. Each sculpture was created by the fusion of the body parts of dead cats and baby dolls.
Naturally, the always art-conscious news media has been intrigued by Paternite's work. Reports of the exhibit have been carried throughout the country. Can a guest-appearance on Geraldo! be far behind?
This sort of recognition is certain to inspire other artists.
A few years ago, the art world was wowed by Judy Chicago's e elaborate creation, The Dinner Party. Will we soon see a down-home sequel composed of freeze-dried road kill? I might suggest West Virginia Feast as a title I
Or perhaps the limbs from a dead baboon could be used to give the Venus do Mile those sorely needed arms.
Of course, if there's money to be made by putting dead critters on display, no possum ever again will feel safe crossing the street. Not that any have made it yet.
Stan Platt of radio station WNIR In Kent suggested that a best seller of a few years ago should now be retitled "102 Things to Do With a Dead Cat".
And it is interesting to note that a currently popular rip-off of that book is "101 Things to Do With a Dead Lawyer".
You have to believe that critics might have considered Paternite's exhibit more humane If he had used the body parts of dead attorneys instead of cats.
But don't get the idea that anyone should harm a lawyer just for an art show. I'm sure there are plenty who can be found along the side of the road. A lot of unhappy clients drive cars.
Cheap shot. Cheap shot.
If this puppy gets any sicker, I may find myself In an art museum.
Stuart Warner
The Beacon Journal, Sunday Sept. 24, 1989
Stark Naked
PRIORITIES IN AMERICA ARE UPSIDE DOWN
REGARDING the furor over Stephen Paternite's exhibit, Creature-Nites of, Ohio, on display at the Canton Art Institute: Why don't people express similar outrage at America's mispriorities of funding which dehumanize countless families and individuals?
Billions upon billions are wasted and defrauded by the Pentagon and by other huge governmental bureaucracies like HUD and the Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Pregnant mothers with their husbands and children huddle in alleyways and shuffle from shelter to shelter seeking a decent place to live. As in Christ's day, there is no room for them In the inn.
The real abomination in America is seeing commercials depicting cats as gods to be worshiped, while we know that native Americans and other oppressed minorities are living in deplorable, slavelike conditions unfit for animals. This injustice is one of our nation's greatest paradoxes.
This is what is so revolting in what Is an allegedly Judeo-Christian country. it is rapidly becoming a pagan country like ancient Egypt or Rome.
America is losing its reverence for life and that's why we're losing our children to drugs, sex, violence, gangs, paganism and nihilism.
Americans must turn from their greedy, hedonistic ways and return to the God that blessed them with this beautiful and bountiful land. We must simplify our lifestyles and truly heed the warnings of such prophets and prophetesses as Sagan, Solzhenitsyn, Frances Moore Lappe and Mother Teresa.
We are now reaping the consequences of being blinded by greed, prejudice and indifference: drug conflagration, the AIDS epidemic, homelessness and hopelessness. Our entire ecosystem, Mother Earth, is at risk.
The enemy is our own gluttonous appetite for more, more and more, fed by a system that demands it and cultivates it with the most subtle and sophisticated means of psychological manipulation and deception.
Time is running out. The choice is ours. What will it be? Life and love and hope? Or death and hate and despair?
God help us all to choose the former.
William H. Somody, Cuyahoga Falls
Akron Beacon Journal, Monday Sept. 25, 1989
Voice of the People
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