Dear Editor,

I love Danville. I love our downtown corridor. I appreciate and respect the folks who volunteer their time to serve on boards and committees to help guide decision-making that both protects our historical character and gives credence to our future forward focus.

I do not, however, agree with the recent AHB decision regarding the public art installation which has the support of both the Heart of Danville and the business owners who have graciously offered their building to said endeavor.

What is art? Art, much like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. It is meant to educate, stir the senses, challenge and entertain. Art should spark conversation and curiosity. President John F. Kennedy once said, “If art is to nourish the roots of our culture, society must set the artist free to follow his vision wherever it takes him.”

I challenge the AHB members to allow a respected artist to do her job … to create, empower and engage. What may not be to your design aesthetic may be someone else’s masterpiece. I urge the AHB members to reconsider their decision and to embrace the chance to be forward thinking. Embrace the chance to support something that represents the youthful vitality of our community. Embrace what art can and will do to make our city and downtown even more beautiful and vibrant than it is. I challenge them to be “Historically Bold!”

Jeff Johnson

Danville