As a longtime suporter of the Barnes in Merion, I would like to say a few things today about the recent article in the Patch.
First, since there is a hearing coming up August 1st which may, if the Friends of the Barnes are successful, keep the Barnes intact where it is, it is too soon to cry over its demise.
Second, those who would like to move the collection have been saying it is a "done deal" for years. This is part of their strategy to keep protestors at silent.
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Third, it has not been necessary to close off portions of the Foundation for months, or for that matter, to close the galleries now. The Barnes staff claims they are moving the paintings starting in July. The building is not complete, so they can't possibly move the art work then. These are simply ways to make the public believe their is no hope in fighting the plans and to stimulate interest in the new building. No one seems to question these statements. I can only assume with all the other things going on in the world, people simply can't be bothered to protest what they can see is an uphill battle.
Yes, it is a battle against many Philadelphia power brokers and three respected charitable foundations, but those of us who have been fighting the move for years are not cowed and have not given up. The Barnes Foundation belongs in Merion with its 12-acre arboretum and purpose-designed building. It is financially, historically and artistically the most appropriate place for the art work.
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Fourth, the new building rising on the Parkway cries out for contemporary work. It can be used to display contemporary art, craft and design arranged as Barnes would have done it. A shuttle bus can bring visitors who don't want to take the train that stops at one end of Latches Lane or the bus that stops at the other, to the real Barnes. Philadelphia can have two tourist attractions instead of one and regain the respect of the Nationwide art community for protecting this world class institution. Barnes' ideas can be reinvigorated as they illustrate the connections between Dale Chuhilly, Richard Diebencorn and Michael Graves. Many artists would be happy to donate work to a new musuem because of their disgust with the plans to move the Barnes collection.
And finally, saving the Barnes requires people to stand up for what they know in their hearts is right. In a world that is full of injustice of all kinds, let's at least get this one right.
Join the Friends of the Barnes: barnesfriends@comcast.net
