Gunderson has right idea about art

Articles ran last week bringing attention to the Modesto City Council's recent conversations about public art, prompted by Councilman John Gunderson. Kudos to Gunderson for initiating the discussion and caring about Modesto enough to push for its beautification and to my husband, Aaron Vickery, for staying true to his art form in a town that has a very long way to go in the area of art appreciation.

Our downtown is desperate for revitalization, and sadly there seem only to be a few who are willing to contribute to its improvement. Modesto's core limps tragically along while naysayers bicker.

I'm disappointed in The Bee for the critical account of Gunderson's efforts and the blatant attacks on urban art from other councilmembers. City leaders should take time to research effective graffiti abatement programs in progressive cities or refrain from the conversation. Successful abatement programs often include commissioning murals where taggers strike, deterring them from tagging at that location again out of respect for the artist.

The Saturday Short was poorly written. I haven't a clue how a connection can be made between council discussions on murals enhancing the city landscape and the rise in burglaries! Terrible coverage of the issue.

AMY VICKERY

Modesto