Hucks: Gookin ‘Undedicated’ To Art

Coeur d’Alene has wonderful pieces of public art, from David Govedare’s “Guardians of the Lake” (aka “The Feathers”) on Northwest Boulevard to kid favorites Mudgy & Millie in five downtown locations. But you wouldn’t see new artwork until the Great Recession is over, if newbie Councilman Dan Gookin had his way. At the council meeting last week, Gookin opined that the city should quit spending money on public art until hard times pass. Instead, he said (according to draft council minutes), the city should use the dedicated arts money to purchase property. Which can’t be done. There’s a reason that the term “dedicated” is used to describe the art funding provided by urban renewal and construction of public buildings. Oddly, Gookin has a background in the performing arts – and should know how art lifts the soul. Even in hard times/ DFO , Huckleberries print. More here.

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Question: Is support for art important in hard times?