More MOCA: A letter-writing campaign and a panel today on KCRW*

More MOCA mobilizing:

The MOCA Mobilization, a Facebook group banded in support of the financially strapped Museum of Contemporary Art, recently used its Facebook page as a tool to draw about 450 people to the Geffen Contemporary for a rally intended to draw attention to the problems that threaten the existence of the museum.

Now, the group -- led by a committee including artists Cindy Bernard, Diana Thater, Judy Fiskin and Mark Pally -- have launched a letter-writing campaign to encourage the public to contact Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, MOCA trustees and city officials. And you don't even have to worry about what to say: The Facebook page outlines suggested talking points.

Meanwhile, to hear more about the MOCA situation, tune in to KCRW-FM (89.9) at 2:30 p.m. today, when Ruth Seymour hosts a panel discussion on MOCA's problems. Guests include Times art critic Christopher Knight (who tells you what he really thinks in his recent open letter to the Board of Trustees); artist Lari Pittman; and Dennis Szakacs, director of the Orange County Museum of Art.

*UPDATE: Former City Councilman Joel Wachs, who was originally scheduled to participate in the panel, has been replaced by Dean Valentine, former MOCA board member and contemporary art collector.

-- Diane Haithman

Photo credit: Liz O. Baylen / Los Angeles Times 

Comments

[Big Donor]

I am sick and tired of being painted with a dirty brush just because of any association I have with MOCA. My donations are more than six million in cash and many wonderful artworks, and to all of you who might criticize me, I don't get a better price on art. I love the organization but I'm not in love with some of the trustees. When leadership does not step up to the line and discusses selling iconic artworks to raise money because they have been unable , or more likely unwilling to give, get, or get out. I personally have no intention of giving anything more until the leadership or board leaders whose namby-pamby excuses such as "my husband won't let me" get the guts to save our wonderful museum. To all others who are very quick to criticize, mostly out of stupidity our collection - you need to enroll in some art appreciation classes! All this venom isn't doing any good what so ever. To those who are starting a letter campaign - good for you! A $100 bill enclosed would be better. Be supportive and stop pointing your finger at many of those who don't deserve it.

[Donald Frazell]

Art classes are what brain washes those with no talent into believing they have some. And so put out big bucks from daddy to go to art schoool and become an artiste, as they promise they can make anyonewho listens to their garbage into one. Those who can do, those who cant teach. Garbage in, garbage out. Thems the facts of live honey.

And as you are too sensitive, or scary, to leave a name, you get no repsect, and deserve none. True artists have balls, juevos, and stand by their convictions, not write anonymous whinings about how wonderful they are. BS

As Cezanne said, The Louvre is my teacher. No one needs art schools, but they sure as hell need gullible students. And donors.

Study art throughout the ages independently, and learn, as all true artists do. Anyone who needs validation is no artist, but a lemming. Got all of 2,300 on the petition so far, many not even in LA, but facebook buddies who write in. Wow, what a great groundswell of support for an essential and uplifting insitution. LOL!!!!!!!!!

[mike mehring]

I am a supporter of MOCA, donating several works to the permenant collection and also involved in fundraising through a support counsel. I feel your pain, Big Donor, having been on the board of several smaller art-related 501(c)3's that have gone through similar "ruptures", primarily due to funding. If anyone on the MOCA BOD would take my advice, they need to be more communicative about what is happening. As a Board member, you hold a public trust, a fiduciary responsibility. The public, who you are accountable to, is wondering what is going on...don't they have a right to know? People are ready and willing to act and assist, but this silence provides no direction for creative and meaningful action. Speak up or you will be overcome by a very frustrated community.