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Lawton
Gallery 'stamp art' delivers discussion
on free expression
The touring exhibit “Axis of Evil” is stirring discussion
of artistic expression and the limits of free speech even before its Sept.
15 opening.
The show assembled by Chicago artist Michael Hernandez
de Luna features mock postage stamps contributed by artists from nearly
a dozen countries. Many of the images are irreverent, outrageous or pointedly
political.
One image attracted particular attention as preparation
for the Lawton Gallery showing began. The piece, labeled “Patriot
Act,” carries a representation of the current U.S. president with
a handgun being pointed at him. Chancellor Bruce Shepard became aware
of the image and intervened. He said despite his personal commitment to
artistic and academic freedom, the University could not allow the image
to be exhibited.
“Whether it be in a political science class or
in the Lawton Gallery, challenging and questioning a president’s
decisions, character, or integrity fall in the realm of fair expression,”
Shepard wrote in an all-campus e-mail. But, in a society all too violence
prone, he continued, using these or other venues to appear to advocate
or suggest violence “is not something UWGB may do.”
The exhibit will proceed but without the image in question.
Chancellor Shepard observed that, as is most appropriate on a university
campus, he expects that the subject of artistic freedom will be a focal
point of discussion when Hernandez de Luna visits campus Sept. 15.
Hernandez de Luna made national news in April when
the “Patriot Act” stamp elicited a polite but curious visit
from the Secret Service as “Axis of Evil” opened in Chicago.
In 2001 during the nationwide anthrax scare, he created a stamp bearing
a skull and crossbones with the word “anthrax,” mailed it,
and briefly shut down a local mail station. At least some postal employees
find the over-the-top frauds humorous, he says, as evidenced by his many
mailings that arrive with hand-written cancellation notes.
Artists
from around the world have contributed mock postage stamps, including
the one at right, for exhibit in the national touring show “Axis
of Evil.” The artists’ use of provocative imagery is a twist
on the convention in most countries that postage-stamp art typically commemorates
honored individuals or historic events.
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Phoenix
Field now 'Aldo Santaga Stadium'
Aldo Santaga was a fixture on the sidelines at UW-Green Bay for 15 seasons.
Now, the popular Hall of Fame coach — or at least his name —
is a fixture above the field, as well. Last Saturday the University renamed
its soccer facility Aldo Santaga Stadium. “Aldo started his career
here by introducing a new sport to the region,” said Chancellor
Bruce Shepard. “He finished having built a nationally prominent
Division I program along with some of the best college-soccer facilities
in the Midwest.” Santaga, an assistant on UW-Green Bay’s first
team in 1969, returned as head coach a few years later and compiled a
winning percentage of nearly .600 in 15 years. Highlights included the
school’s first NCAA Division I berth in any sport (1983) and a 71-28-9
record at home. He was also a highly visible ambassador for futbol in
football country, helping organize local high school play and assisting
development of youth and small-college programs throughout Wisconsin.
“Move-In Day was a blast. Where do I sign up for next year?
The parents and students were very appreciative of the help and support
we offered. Parents that had kids in other UW schools mentioned they didn’t
get this kind of help there.”
Bob
Bilhar, IT systems development specialist, UW-Green Bay staff volunteer
for Freshman Move-In Day
Talking history, 'American Freedom'
Three distinguished scholars visit campus this month for a history “mini-conference”
and free public lectures on history and American freedom. Topics and speakers
are:
• American Freedom and American History
Prof. Eric Foner, Columbia University
4 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, University Theater
• American Freedom and American Public Policy
Prof. Kriste Lindenmeyer, UM-Baltimore County
10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, Christie Theater
• American Freedom and American Foreign Policy
Prof. Jeremi Suri, UW-Madison
11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 23, Christie Theatre
UW-Green Bay is wrapping up a three-year project led by Prof. Andrew Kersten
aimed at improving the teaching of history in local schools. The lectures
also mark the 20th anniversary of the Historical Perspectives Lecture
Series directed by Prof. Harvey Kaye.
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