Art lover: Move that Fence! In 2003, modern art collectors Frank and Shirley Piku, a retired couple owning more than 200 works of art, bought art by Detroit artist Eric Mesko and installed it in their yard in Sylvan Lake. "Star Spangled Flag" is an American flag painted on a fence. Recently, a jury decided the work violated a city ordinance requiring the Pikus to apply for a fence permit. But they explained they didn’t think it was one; it’s art. That seems a costly mistake, and a neighbor screwed them for it. So Shirley Piku, 67, faced a jury and was found guilty of a misdemeanor, which carries a fine of $500 and a sentence up to 90 days in jail. The couple must also pay $4,000 in legal fees. The $8,000 fence is in the yard while they try to figure out where to put it.
Goodbye? Columbia University’s renowned School of Journalism in New York City announces that after 11 years, it will close its arts journalism program due to lack of funding. The New York Times states the program lost support years ago from Pew Charitable Trusts and just couldn’t find the support from other sources. The Times also reports that Doug McLennan, a member of the program’s advisory board, says they are seeking a new home for the program. We will inform you of developments.
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