Curator Offers Public a Great Opportunity

Cathy Curtis’ Jan. 21 interview with Bruce Guenther, the new curator of the Newport Harbor Art Museum (“Curator Guenther Seeks to Bring the Masses to the Media”), was an exciting article for many reasons. For museum docents, whose job is to help viewers understand and appreciate art, a curator who sees his role as an educator, rather than an elitist, is a refreshing rarity. Bruce Guenther’s understanding of the general public’s negative view of contemporary art and his thrust to bridge that gap creates a wonderful opportunity for children and adults to expand their knowledge and vision.

I hope our Orange County community will welcome Guenther by taking advantage of his beautifully articulated offer to be a “facilitator” between the artistic community and the general public. Your readers who think contemporary art is beyond them, or distasteful, or who say, “My 5-year-old can do that,” now have an art professional whose goal is to bring the art of today to everyone.

WINNIE ROSS, docent

Newport Harbor Art Museum

Newport Beach

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