Published July 11, 2002 in issue #23 of The Hook.

Part of why ArtInPlace can work, president Elizabeth Breeden says, is its website (artinplace.com). None of the pieces on view around town is signed-- only a mysterious sign with the web address and the city seal stands near each installation. To find our more about the art, the artists, and the program, anyone can go online.

The website invites citizens to post comments-- another way in which the program tries to weave art and ideas about art into everyday life. Of the 55 comments that have been posted since last October, 12 complained, 40 congratulated, and three made suggestions. Here are few highlights:

PRO
"If I think of the cities in the U.S. that I love, they are the cities where art is alive, accessible and public. Paris, Tucson, Rome, Amsterdam, New York. I am glad that Charlottesville is getting its act together. I hope that in selecting the pieces, you choose large pieces that are passionate. Thank you for taking this on."

"My children, ages 12, 10, and 6, have lively discussions of the merits of the different pieces around town, and look forward to new pieces and new places-- what a wonderful thing to bring art so close to our everyday lives."

"Bravo to the shakers and movers who spearheaded this effort."

CON

"Get that abominable and dangerous monstrosity off Emmett Street before it kills somebody! It's ugly, unsightly, out of place, a distraction and a weapon waiting to hurt drivers and passengers. I am saving this communication for the victim of the first accident due to it. Our money needs to be in signs and a true beltway rather than garbage like this."

"Just to let you know that you have left a large piece of trash on our beloved Emmett Street. I think you call it Man in Motion. My family, friends, and I call it trash!"

"I can't believe they let you put those out there. They are truly ugly and an eyesore."

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