Dear Jeff,
I was surprised to read myself quoted as saying "I'm tired of hearing
artists promote themselves" in your commentary on the "New Critics
and Curators" panel at Marylhurst. I have no recollection of speaking
those words, which confirms my intention to stop serving on panels. What
I thought I said was precisely the opposite. I believe the offending comment
came in response to Paul Sutinen asking me whether it was The Organ's
responsibility to promote local artists. I thought I said that it is the
responsibility of artists to promote themselves, with the assistance of
whatever gallery representation they have, whereas the Organ's responsibility
is to offer interesting, well-written content for its readers. I thought
I said I was tired of hearing artists voice the expectation that organizations
such as The Organ and PICA promote the local art scene, when it is not
the mission of either to do so. If I said something else, I regret it.
Your original article also contained a mischaracterization of my comments
about Mercury art critic Chas Bowie. While I commented at the panel that
I thought he did an excellent job covering his beat with the small amount
of space that he has, I never said or implied that Bowie's column is all
that Portland needs in the way of coverage of the visual arts, as you
reported. I appreciate your gentlemanly decision to remove that part of
your commentary from the site.
As for your other criticisms of my approach to editing The Organ, fire
away!
Cheers,
Camela Raymond
The Organ Review of Arts
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