Nude Art Blocked By PTA

[NuTex]

Here's what I think is a case of a PTA promoting the idea that nude = lewd.
web page (http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Jan/01192004/utah/130516.asp)
NuTex

Rolly and Wells: Student's painting of a nude honored but it's too much for PTA

Paul Rolly and JoAnn Jacobsen-Wells
Salt Lake Tribune Columnist

Courtney Moffett, who won second place in the annual Reflections art contest at Jordan High School, was invited last week to the district awards ceremony, where all the winning entries from eight high schools were to be highlighted.

Or so she was told.

The theme of the parent-teacher-student-association-sponsored Reflections contest this year was "I am really happy when . . ." Moffett's entry, "At One With Nature," featured a Hawaiian woman sitting nude on a river bank, placing a flower in her hair. Revealed was a side view of a breast and her buttocks -- way too much skin for contest officials.

Moffett arrived at Eastmont Middle School only to discover that her painting was not on display. It also was excluded from the program in which each piece of art was shown on a large screen with the creator's name and school.

Only Moffett's name was flashed on the screen.

"The content [of Moffett's painting] was not appropriate for the venue [a Jordan School District school], and it did not represent PTA values," said Jackey Bruin, president of the district PTSA High School Council.

Funny that Jordan High's Reflections judges didn't share that view.

Moffett's painting was not sent on to the state Reflections contest. But if you want to view it, e-mail Moffett at ninnylynn@yahoo.com and she will send you a photo.

[NuTex]

Here's what I think is a case of a PTA promoting the idea that nude = lewd.
web page (http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Jan/01192004/utah/130516.asp)
NuTex

Rolly and Wells: Student's painting of a nude honored but it's too much for PTA

Paul Rolly and JoAnn Jacobsen-Wells
Salt Lake Tribune Columnist

Courtney Moffett, who won second place in the annual Reflections art contest at Jordan High School, was invited last week to the district awards ceremony, where all the winning entries from eight high schools were to be highlighted.

Or so she was told.

The theme of the parent-teacher-student-association-sponsored Reflections contest this year was "I am really happy when . . ." Moffett's entry, "At One With Nature," featured a Hawaiian woman sitting nude on a river bank, placing a flower in her hair. Revealed was a side view of a breast and her buttocks -- way too much skin for contest officials.

Moffett arrived at Eastmont Middle School only to discover that her painting was not on display. It also was excluded from the program in which each piece of art was shown on a large screen with the creator's name and school.

Only Moffett's name was flashed on the screen.

"The content [of Moffett's painting] was not appropriate for the venue [a Jordan School District school], and it did not represent PTA values," said Jackey Bruin, president of the district PTSA High School Council.

Funny that Jordan High's Reflections judges didn't share that view.

Moffett's painting was not sent on to the state Reflections contest. But if you want to view it, e-mail Moffett at ninnylynn@yahoo.com and she will send you a photo.

[brainyguy9999]

Perhaps INA could create a page to display her controversial art on INA's website. They could ask her to write an article to accompany it.

What better way to promote acceptance of non-sexual nudity than to recognize and applaud a young woman who seems to understand that nudity doesn't necessarily equal sex?


Just a suggestion.

bg

[MikeJB]

I knew there was a reason I didnt like the PTA...........


might as well call them the prudish textile association.

[MikeJB]

Im surprised she couldnt have taken the PTA to court for doing that to her, she won that contest fair and square and the PTA had no right to do what they did, there isnt anything obscene about that kind of photo, I mean it didnt even show her fricken genitals for cryin out loud. These guys never made many brownie points when I was in school and obviously their insanity continues even after I get out. I sometimes wonder what idiots they have running the PTA anyways.

[Ben_m]

Goodness, NuTex, this happened basically in my backyard and it would appear that you found out about it before I did.

I have seen a digital image of the drawing, and I think that it is lovely - beautifully done, delightfully innocent. It makes me think of simpler times. I think it's profoundly sad that we insist on such blatent body-shame as a society. No doubt, in this culture, any member of the PTA that thought it was fine, probably wouldn't have said so out of fear of retribution. Obviously, I'm not part of that PTA.

How times have changed from my Junior High art class (in Utah) which included classical nude drawings/paintings as part of our education. This is not progress as a society, not in any way.

[Bob S.]

For those who want to see the painting in question, see the link below:

http://cheef.com/newspics/courtneyphoto1.jpg

It is very unassuming.

Bob S.

Of course, we as nudists aren't going to see anything wrong with that painting. Even if it was a full length frontal I wouldn't see anything wrong with it. Unfortunately, There are too many people who have the insane notion that certain body areas are obscene and shouldn't be shown. I'm sure that had she painted a bikini on the woman, no one would have had a problem with it.

[NuTex]

Thanks Bob S for finding us the link!
NuTex

[MikeJB]

Yeah this isnt even REAL nudity for cryin out loud, its an artwork and schools have been showing this nude stuff in art for who knows how long and you cant even see her genitals, if her nipples were covered in sure no one would have a problem with it. Anyways why couldnt they just fuzz over her nipples when they showed the picture? I know itd be insulting to the artist but thats better than denying it and not showing it or accepting it at all. I think her parents shouldve got a lawyer and sued these guys for what they did. Thats just discriminatory where they accepted the artwork that was less than hers over hers just because they found it objectionable.

[luvnaturism]

The art says worlds about the maturity of the artist. Denying it's proper place says worlds about the immaturity of the "adults" in the PTA.

[MikeJB]

If the PTA is immature enough not to be able to handle artwork then how can the schools expect them to handle their children and their future? I still think a good lawyer and a lawsuit was in order for that girl and she shouldve sued those PTA members good.

[Ben_m]

Very nicely stated, luvnaturism. I'm told a follow-up article in the (local) newspaper makes it sound like this incident has created something of an international uproar (and this is a good thing, I think /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif ). I'm also told that the article quotes a PTA representative as saying "nudity is not art". It's amazing to me how real beauty can be so close to so many, and yet they refuse to open their minds and see it.

[MikeJB]

I really think most of these PTA people are simply ignorant. How the hell can they say "nudity is NOT art" when a good proportion of art IS nudes or nudity in some form. I think this is the one normal venue in society where nudity is accepted as normal and for these pack of idiots to say nudity isnt art just goes to show their stupidity and just makes me beleive more that such idiotic people have no business whatsoever being in education. I wouldnt want one of these bozos tellin some kid I know that "nudity is not art".

[FLslimguy]

To imagine that a group of organized adults (PTA)can come up with the preposterous idea that a nude painting is inappropriate for the "venue" where other art is being shown is pure censorism and an outrage.

It sends the message that nudity in art is wrong and that nudity is bad and should not be attempted by a student. I can't believe that the parents and general public don't scream out in opposition. Then again, maybe they are so wrapped up in their puritanical religious beliefs that they astoundingly AGREE....

[Naturist Mark]

I find it rather refreshing that some parents actually care enough to participate in the PTA or PTO of their kids school. Too many parents can't or won't participate due to work or lack of interest.

That some would freak out over nude art is hardly surprising in the present social climate. Too bad the teachers and administrators weren't able, or willing to instruct the parents better, that may be attributable to cowardice -also due to the present social climate.

-Mark

[MikeL2]

I'm new so I hope that I don't butt in.
The Young Lady's art is NO more offensive than some I've seen on TV. Body lotions for women (avina?) or even the Scifi chanel. But who is going to take the arguement to an end? There is NO Nude Civil Liberties Union and the ACLU would never intervien. Fox News - Bill Oreilly?
Since this thread has some merit, why hasn't the INA or AANR taken note and awarded the YL with a certifacate of merit of sorts and do it in the Local newspaper as an add?

[MikeL2]

OOOps! Please Ignor my name I'm going to change that right now MikeL

[Gary Naturist]

The best word to describe the PTA's action is immature.

Gary

[Ben_m]

Columnists Rolly and Wells in the Wednesday Salt Lake Tribune wrote a follow-up story on Courtney Moffett, the young painter who was censored by the PTA...


Canadian nudists, thousands of others support Jordan artist

Since we wrote Monday about Courtney Moffett's painting being banned from public view by PTA officials, the Jordan High School senior has received nearly 2,000 e-mails from supporters worldwide -- including a nudist colony in Canada. Its members want to wear T-shirts with the portrait Moffett painted on it. As we reported, Moffett's entry into the parent-teacher-student-association-sponsored Reflections contest was a painting of a Hawaiian woman sitting nude on a riverbank. The portrait reveals a side view of a breast and her buttocks. Moffett won second place at Jordan High and was invited to the district's awards ceremony. But her painting was never shown because PTA officials overseeing the contest determined it didn't meet PTA values. Lisa Peck, organizer of the district's Reflections contest, even told KUTV-Channel 2 that "nudity isn't art." Two people who e-mailed Moffett agreed. One, making an assumption about Moffett's religious beliefs, said she "should be excommunicated." Apparently, hundreds of others disagree. Moffett has been flooded with requests for prints of her original piece, which will be available Saturday. (E-mail her at ninnylynn@yahoo.com with your order). Moffett has been notified that Reflections organizers want to meet with her -- not to apologize, but "to educate her as to why her art was inappropriate." Meanwhile, Utah Valley State College will display her painting next week.

[MikeJB]

Im surprised people dont call or email the PTA en masse and complain, I mean the way she was treated was simply immature and uncalled for and that woman who said that "nudity is not art" is a moron and really has no business working for education anyways, because someone who says nudity isnt art, obviously ISNT very intelligent and thus needs a few more years to get her facts straight. I really wish INA or AANR would make up for what the PTA could not and recognize this girl's true artistic skill. I really wish these PTA people would stop sticking their religious values into the education system, I thought we were supposed to have a seperation of church and state and she shouldve seen the art from a more educational point of view without putting her religious bias in. I mean isnt that what these schools advocate constantly is seperation of church and state, I really think they need to act on their words.

[Rex]

There was a popular song about 30---40 years ago called Harper Valley PTA.
It was about a young mother being criticised for wearing attractive clothes, with the implication that, in the opinion of the local PTA, she was not a good mother to her daughter.
She showed them up as a bunch of hypocrites.
Anyone got the words?

Please tell me it hasn't been that long since it was a hit...Great song! Can just remember a few of the words..Odb /infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Rex:
There was a popular song about 30---40 years ago called Harper Valley PTA.
It was about a young mother being criticised for wearing attractive clothes, with the implication that, in the opinion of the local PTA, she was not a good mother to her daughter.
She showed them up as a bunch of hypocrites.
Anyone got the words? <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I sing that at karaoke sometimes... naked of course!

I want to tell you all a story 'bout a Harper Valley widowed wife
Who had a teenage daughter who attended Harper Valley Junior High
Well her daughter came home one afternoon and didn't even stop to play
She said, "Mom, I got a note here from the Harper Valley P.T.A."

The note said, "Mrs. Johnson, you're wearing your dresses way too high
It's reported you've been drinking and a-runnin' 'round with men and going wild
And we don't believe you ought to be bringing up your little girl this way"
It was signed by the secretary, Harper Valley P.T.A.

Well, it happened that the P.T.A. was gonna meet that very afternoon
They were sure surprised when Mrs. Johnson wore her mini-skirt into the room
And as she walked up to the blackboard, I still recall the words she had to say
She said, "I'd like to address this meeting of the Harper Valley P.T.A."

Well, there's Bobby Taylor sittin' there and seven times he's asked me for a date
Mrs. Taylor sure seems to use a lot of ice whenever he's away
And Mr. Baker, can you tell us why your secretary had to leave this town?
And shouldn't widow Jones be told to keep her window shades all pulled completely down?

Well, Mr. Harper couldn't be here 'cause he stayed too long at Kelly's Bar again
And if you smell Shirley Thompson's breath, you'll find she's had a little nip of gin
Then you have the nerve to tell me you think that as a mother I'm not fit
Well, this is just a little Peyton Place and you're all Harper Valley hypocrites

No I wouldn't put you on because it really did, it happened just this way
The day my Mama socked it to the Harper Valley P.T.A.
The day my Mama socked it to the Harper Valley P.T.A.

[Rex]

Thanks, cyndiann, I bet you look and sound great.
Takes us all back a bit, doesn't it, outdoorbare?

[nudeM]

Being an avid listener of country music, I have to admit the Rex was correct in the 30 - 40 year range for that song, "Harper Valley P.T.A.". It was a huge hit for Jeannie C. Riley back in 1968. It's hard to believe it has been that long.

[Atlantis Buff]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Ben_m:
Moffett has been notified that Reflections organizers want to meet with her -- not to apologize, but "to educate her as to why her art was inappropriate." <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Cheeze, this really makes me angry. If the PTA at the Jordan School district is acting this way, and gets their way, they (meaning the Granite School District) should remove the _Nude Descending a Staircase_ painting from the Cyprus High Art Hall.

Those people in the PTA are either ignorant of the long tradition of Nudity in Baroque and Rennaisance Art, or they are just plain over protective. Anyway, here is something from Baroque Art (Poussin's _Trimuph of Neptune_) that I think you all should enjoy.
http://www.kfki.hu/~arthp/preview/p/poussin/2/15neptuv.jpg

Even Leonardo DaVinci did nude studies and paintings, as this painting of Leda and the Swan indicates.
http://www.kfki.hu/~arthp/preview/l/leonardo/05copies/3leda.jpg

[NuTex]

Atlantis Buff wrote,
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> Those people in the PTA are either ignorant of the long tradition of Nudity in Baroque and Rennaisance Art, or they are just plain over protective. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>I agree. When she meets with them I hope she whips out a pic of Michelangelo's "David". Or maybe one of the "Bathers" by Renoir. Or Botticelli's "Birth of Venus" would be great.

Aaaarrgh! This is so irritating!
NuTex

[Atlantis Buff]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by NuTex:

Aaaarrgh! This is so irritating!
NuTex <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Yes, it is! The body isn't indecent by itself!

[FLslimguy]

Originally posted by Ben_m:
Moffett has been notified that Reflections organizers want to meet with her -- not to apologize, but "to educate her as to why her art was inappropriate."

What this is really indicative of is mind control. You WILL do this. You WILL NOT do that. If I had people trying to dictate what I should or shouldn't do in art, I might never have become the professional artist that I am today.

..and they wonder why some kids turn rebellious...

[nudecase]

Well then. I feel Better knowing that I'm not alone on this front. I am taking advanced studio art at my highschool and I brought in some sketches and paintings of nudes. They showed full nudity, but were not profane or indecent in any way. My art teacher loved them and entered them in a local art contest for highschools in my region. When I won the regional and went on to state, they would not accept my artwork because some conservative lunatic was ranting about ndecency in childrens minds and poisoned youth. So I had the art teacher set up a debate as to whether or not my art should be showed. After 3 hours of heated argument, it was decided that my art would not be shown. So I wrote speeches that I read to the students at lunch, circulated flyers to the student body and asked all who thought that my art was decent to mail angry letters to the superintendant. I love contriversy! In the end over 800 students mailed letters to the superintendant, needless to say, my art was accepted and I'm going to nationals!

[Rex]

Wonderful story, nudecase.
Congratulations. The art world and the nudist world need people like you.

Way to go Nudecase.....Wow!...I wish I'd had your spunk and drive 50 yrs ago..I doubt you'll be down on the farm much longer...Unless of course you want to be...Not a bad place to be really...Check out the yahoo group...The Figure Drawing Factory...If you'd like to have fun and sharpen your figure drawing skills... /infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif Best of Luck...Odb

[FLslimguy]

That's great to hear your story, Nudecase. It's apparent that your passion for your art and the passion that you have defending it helps your cause. It's the way you have to be as an artist. There was an old theory that "the squeaky wheel gets the grease"...which is true today, however you can also add "make every event a media event" to that list. If you don't defend your art, no one else will either.

Out of curiosity, was the art nude male or nude female...or both? I always wonder if the problem that some people have with nude art relates to the gender shown.

[Ben_m]

WAY TO GO, NUDECASE!

I was absolutely tickled pink to read what you said about your drawings. And, I just couldn't keep myself from saying so. Like Outdoorbare said, if a cyberspace-based figure drawing group is of any use to you, please join us at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/figure_drawing_factory - all you'll need is a Yahoo id (and an e-mail id) - and both can be through Yahoo, and for free, if you don't already have them.

Ben.

[florida-david]

nudecase, glad to see you are keeping up my already high impression of you. is there any way you can post a picture of your artwork as i would personally love to see it!!!

keep up the good work.

I would like to see them also. It took a lot of courage to go against the grain and do what you did, nudecase. Most young people are too afraid of being rejected by their peers to do what you did. You risked rejection and ridicule to get artwork you knew wasn't indecent accepted into the nationals. Congratulations and I hope your work is enjoyed by all who see it.

[Gary Naturist]

Congratulations, nudecase. The world needs more young people like you.

Gary