4/25/2003

Contact: K.E. Schwab  -- 724-738-2199;  e-mail: karl.schwab@sru.edu

EDITOR’S ADVISORY                                                                 4/25/03

Those following the recent discussion and continuing news coverage of the appropriateness of the sculpture on display at Slippery Rock University as part of its Kaleidoscope, a regional arts festival, are advised that the College of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts will host an open forum on art and censorship at 4 p.m. Monday [April 28] under the title “Id Has T'Ego?"

The panel discussion will be held in Room 111 of Strain Behavioral Science Building and is expected to primarily focus on the bust titled "Prescription,” which initiated the campus discussion. The sculpture was created by Edinboro University student Adam Tate and depicts Sigmund Freud, Austrian psychoanalyst who laid the foundation for modern psychoanalysis, with a revolver pointed at his nose. The artist has said the symbolism links the gun to Freud’s reported use of cocaine.

Discussants will be Dr. Bernard Freydberg, professor of philosophy, Dr. Kurt Pitluga, assistant professor of art, Thomas Como, assistant professor of art and chair of the department, and Dr. Thomas Flynn, associate professor of communication. Dr. William McKinney, dean of the college, will serve as moderator. The session is open to the public.

The sculpture, on display outside Strain and part of the University’s 12-day arts festival, drew front-page and columnist attention of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette as well as coverage in local newspapers, USA Today and on Pittsburgh television.

Dean McKinney has defended the sculpture and its placement. He says, “By hosting a panel discussion, I hope we will bring a number of issues to the forefront. This controversy has initiated a strong discussion, which I think is a good for a university campus. I know we can work together to get all sides of the issue on the floor for debate, and I hope students will see that healthy, informed, intelligent discussion in a public forum benefits everyone.”

PS – On another note, SRU will celebrate Academic Honors Convocation at 2 p.m. Sunday [April 27] in Morrow Field House honoring some 1,600 students for their academic work. The President’s Awards will also be presented to faculty and staff and the annual Distinguished Alumni awards will be presented. (See details at www.sru.edu)

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