‘ “The Tell” Does Deliver Its Message of Protest’

I am writing to express sincere appreciation to Cathy Curtis for the terrific article she wrote concerning “The Tell” project in Laguna Canyon (“ ‘The Tell’ Does Indeed Deliver Its Message of Protest,” Calendar Aug. 21). She captured the true essence of the photographic mural and communicated (it) beautifully to your readers with thoughtfully chosen words.

As one of many, many people who have worked with Mark Chamberlin and Jerry Burchfield (on the project), it has been gratifying to see the community involvement. It has been a lot of fun to see people so motivated to be a part of the structure that they would go home and return with photos to be included in this giant “family album.”

Happy campers from Camp Haverin pulling up in a large school bus, and a 93-year-old lady who produced from her wallet a photograph of her 107-year-old sister and (added it to the mural) are only a few of the people who wanted to be included.

I have become even more convinced that it is the personal touch in relationships and in our activities in the home, community and work that really glues us all together. I would urge others to stop, pull off the road in Laguna Canyon and (observe, to quote Miss Curtis) that “the images really do represent a community presence, the town meeting disguised as a work of art.”

Another revealing aspect of “The Tell” is (the way it shows) how much alike we are. The most meaningful parts of everyone’s lives are represented by the subject matter people chose to share with others through this project. I heard words recently that seem to sum up the overview of “The Tell”: “While all of us are individuals, we are significantly more alike than we are different.”

The spirits of those visiting “The Tell” are happy as they point and nudge their families and friends in recognition of the antics and events that include all of us in this circle of humanity.

Thank you, Cathy Curtis!

PEGGY DARNELL

Corona del Mar