In response to Michelle Kann’s column, “Ugly artwork – the ultimate distraction” (Opinion, Tuesday, October 16), I would like to offer this opinion – perhaps the distraction comes not from the artwork, but from the interpreter?

As an animal science student, I myself have been intrigued by these paintings and murals on the walls of Kildee Hall, but not enough to ever call them ugly or distracting. I myself researched the university museum Web site (http://www.museums.iastate.edu) and found two interesting ideas surrounding the debated “Balance of Life” mural in Lush Auditorium. The mural symbolizes the monumental role agriculture plays as the basis for present and future prosperity.

The heroic scale of this mural expresses the magic, reverence, and importance of the scholarly work done by the animal science department. I am appalled at your idea to “leave the straw, pigs and silos on the farm.”

This obviously shows that Kann has no appreciation for other great pieces of “agricultural” art on campus, such as the other paintings found in Kildee Hall, or even the Gentle Doctor statue by Christian Petersen.

Just as other unique pieces of art are found all around campus, don’t be so hasty to single out agricultural art. This art is an extension of many important ideas surrounding agriculture -research, growth, management, hard work, love for animals, pride, and most importantly, a respect for all living things. Perhaps you should extend some respect to these artists and their ideas.

Barb Petersen

Freshman

Animal science and pre-veterinary medicine