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Artist: Linda Griffith Confronting Bodies: Orchard Artworks and Bryn Athym Church of New Jerusalem Date of Action: September 2001 Specific Location: Orchard Artworks, Bryn Athyn, PA Description of Artwork: The exhibition included several politically charged photos on ecological topics: ėRepublican Pro-Lifeî depicted a small earth floating in a bloody pool of water, ėLower Moreland Legacyî showed three stumps of trees that were cut down to build townhouses, ėMessenger of Peace by the Road in Bryn Athynî depicted a dead deer lying on a borough road, ėMaking the World Safe for Democracy (and Builders)î showed dirt from an area that was bulldozed to build a golf course in Lower Moreland, PA. Description of Incident: Although the works were approved by the jury of the ėUncertain Future: Earth Found, Used and Abusedî exhibition at Orchard Artworks, they were removed from the walls of the gallery the day after their installation. According to Tracy Cass, director of Orchard Artworks, they didnít harmonize with the policy of Bryn Athyn Church of New Jerusalem, namely, that church-owned buildings are not to be used for political statements. Linda Griffith was told by a gallery board member that ė80 percent of Bryn Athyn is Republican, and the Artworks cannot offend its customers base." Results of Incident: Orchard Artworks did not display these works. As Orchard Artworks is a private venue, they are not compelled by the First Amendment to allow the expression of viewpoints they might not like. Source: The Inquirer, The Intelligencer, NCAC |