WE’RE SCARED

The Smithsonian American Art Museum

I’m scared and so are the others. I know this because we talk to each other every night. After the lights are dimmed and the guards are on their break.

But, don’t worry about us.  We’re not scared for ourselves. It’s YOU we’re worried about.

We’re scared for YOU. We’re scared for all of you who come to our beautiful building expecting to see a full, uncensored spectrum of American art.  Not a curated collection. Rather one which fully reflects our country’s history. The good, the bad, the ugly. All of it.

Each one of us, hanging here in this treasured museum, has something to say.  We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t. But, let’s be clear. We’re not here to influence your thoughts, your vision, your perceptions.  We’re here so you can see, feel, and “get” the whole undiluted picture.

After that you, and only you, can decide what you think about all of it In your own time and In your own space. We’re only here to provide thought and food for discussion. 

So, please, please, don’t let US be taken from YOU. From your friends and and your families.  And from all the generations to come. You should always be able to see, acknowledge, and appreciate our uncensored story. We are, after all, America.