Basilica Artist-in-Residence Suspended Over "DVD to Art" Project

I suspect 'suspension' is a kind word for termination. I'll miss the income, but there's times when people need to stand up for what they believe.

- Lucinda Naylor

Quoted in Jim Spencer's article,
Job on Line Over DVD Protest
Star Tribune
September 27, 2010

Following is how Fox 9 News in the Twin Cities is reporting the suspension of Lucinda Naylor from her position of Artist-in-Residence at the Basilica of St. Mary in Minneapolis.


And this from the Fox 9 News website:

Basilica of St. Mary Artist-in-Residence Lucinda Naylor was suspended Saturday after posting her intention on Facebook to turn anti-gay marriage DVDs into an art project. "Yesterday, the pastor of the Basilica of Saint Mary suspended me from my position as Artist-in-Residence (a position I've held for 15 years)," Naylor wrote on her DVD to ART blog. "This came 48 hours after I facebooked my intention to spearhead a personal art project turning the archbishop's disheartening, divisive DVDs into an artwork about inclusion and hope." Last week, the Minnesota Catholic Conference started mailing DVDs to Catholics across the state. The DVDs ask voters to watch and listen to the DVDs and contact their state lawmakers. "The bishops of Minnesota are alarmed by the continuing attacks on the institution of marriage, and we are taking action," Winona Bishop John Quinn wrote to his parishioners. Naylor wants to "create a beautiful piece of art using the free art materials being sent out by the archbishop." She said she wants to "transform the DVDs of fear into art of hope" and is asking anyone with a copy to send it her way. Disappointed as I am by my suspension, I do not want to overly focus on it," Naylor wrote. "My primary focus remains on making a great piece of art in collaboration with all of you who donate DVDs. . . . I want to create a sculpture so big and beautiful that everyone will see the love that is at the heart of the Catholic Church.

Recommended Off-site Links: DVD To ART Job on Line Over DVD Protest – Jim Spencer (Star Tribune, September 27, 2010). Lucinda Naylor Suspended by Basilica for Anti-Gay DVD Protest – Hart Van Denburg (City Pages, September 27, 2010). See also the previous Wild Reed posts: Quote of the Day – September 25, 2010 Local Catholics Seek to "Create Some Good Out of an Unfortunate Situation" The Minnesota Bishops' Last Ditch Effort It's a Scandal Misplaced Priorities The Minnesota Bishops' Unholy War Exposing NOM's "Shameful" Behavior in Minnesota A Message for NOM (and the Catholic Hierarchy) At UST, a Rousing and Very Catholic Show of Support for Same-Sex Marriage A Catholic Voice for Marriage Equality at the State Capitol Truth Telling: The Greatest of Sins in a Dysfunctional Church Image: David Denny (Star Tribune).