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LettersPublic space

Editor:

I believe I speak for all those affiliated with the surFACE

"Reforming Public Space" exhibition (held at the Wight Art Gallery during

the month of October) when I express appreciation toward David Abell (Oct.

9, "Artsy fartsy"), for voicing the frustration that our "wooden

aberrations" invoked upon him.

Our work is successful after having received such response, for only the

most accomplished artists are able to speak to the public rather than at

them. Opinions like Abell's demonstrate that a conversation has occurred.

We spoke to him, and he, in this case, screamed back.

Allow me, please, to set the record straight with regard to our

surFACE pieces. They were not created to pose questions about art or

the freedom of expression, as Abell implied. Simply, they advertise a

showing of over 150 competition entries that address the issues of public

and private space; hence, the placement in the public spaces here on

campus.

Beware: Not all expression is fueled with conflict-inducing political

messages. The juxtaposition of minimalist media and "areas of relaxation

and beauty" (the words used in Abell's letter describing the main quad,

Dickson Plaza and the sculpture garden) promoted Abell to form his own

definition of public space.We applaud his contribution to the exhibition's

call for comments on the public domain.

I challenge you, David, to visit the Wight Art Gallery and see for

yourself what hundred of architects and urban planners around the world had

to say in their designs now on display.Dawn Marie Buettner

First-year

School of Architecture

Eat up

Editor:

Here is my top 10 list of comments in response to Russell Johnson's bash

job (Oct. 13, "Lu Valle, here he comes") on the North Campus Student

Center.10. The milk may be spoiled, but it is not frozen.

9. Have you ever noticed that a sewer smell usually comes from the

northeast, no matter what building you step out of on campus (i.e. the

construction)?

8. It is the student center, and the majority of students prefer the

current video format.

7. It is a campus eatery, not a library.

6. All ASUCLA food service checkout lines are that narrow (see Lu Valle,

Cooperage, Treehouse).

5. I don't know where you're sit-ting, but I've never heard that

complaint before.

4. It is an open air area and flies get hungry too, don't they? (Again,

see Lu Valle).

3. Maybe you should warm your food a little longer.

2. If you would bother to stickaround long enough to watch the

employees, you would know they change their gloves constantly.

1. It's a cafeteria, not a gourmet restaurant, and as such, we have some

of the best food of any cafe-teria.

Are you satisfied yet, Mr. Johnson?Manny Maltezakis

Customer Service

North Campus Student Center