Rating System for Art

In the wake of numerous responses which we have received regarding Allan Jalon’s recent article “Ratings System for Exhibits Has a Backer or Two” (Calendar, Feb. 14), I would like to clarify the position which Laguna Art Museum’s education department takes regarding censorship of our exhibitions. As I stated in “Drawing the Line” (also by Jalon in Calendar that day), Laguna Art Museum will not censor exhibitions. I feel it is important, however, that we provide teachers with information about the exhibitions that their classes will see, not necessarily to “warn” them, but to allow teachers to prepare their students with lessons that will make the museum visit a more meaningful experience. We now offer teacher workshops for each new exhibition, providing teachers with instructional materials and background information to help familiarize them with the art which is on display.

It would not be appropriate for Laguna Art Museum to assign a rating, similar to a movie rating, to the art which we display. If any school wishes to develop (its) own system of rating art exhibitions, however, based on the objective information which the museum has supplied, that is (its) prerogative.

DINAH McCLINTOCK

Curator of Education

Laguna Art Museum

Laguna Beach