A panel of 10 that included faculty, students and several established artists reviewed the works of 38 candidates over a period of months before unanimously selecting a work they believed best epitomized the spirit of Martin Luther King, Jr.

Yet, the editorial which appeared in your April 5 issue suggests the writer not only knows better, but speaks for all of us “average Joes” and for King when belittling Dann Nardi’s sculpture.

Presumably, the editorialist is one of those “people confused about the sculpture’s point.”

People often attack what they do not understand, whether the target of their attack happens to be a work of art or a race other than their own.

The problem may be the misconception that we have to like a work to appreciate it or to acknowledge that it contributes to intellectual discourse.

(Do we have to like someone personally to insist that he or she be treated with dignity and respect?)

The “almost so abstract” sculpture is not so very abstract either. The hourglass shape suggests time—are we wasting it or using it effectively to achieve the goals of Dr. King?

And what is an hourglass but two cones, one precariously balanced on the other.

Doesn’t that hint at the delicate nature of race relationships and how easily equality can be upset?

The top portion of the sculpture interweaves black and white rather than blending it into gray, perhaps indicating that each race can maintain its unique identity while working together.

And the rings along the base of the sculpture detail the methodical, step-by-step approach needed to achieve this perfect equality.

Critics may believe that realistic representation of King would have made a better choice. But how would you portray compassion, humanity, determination, selflessness, spirit and eloquence?

King once said that the purpose of nonviolent action was “to create such a crisis and foster such tension that a community … is forced to confront the issue.”

Better that those who see the memorial to him react, favorably or unfavorably, than to ignore it. Personally, I believe King would have wanted it that way!

Cindy Guilborad

Master’s of fine arts