Salem State art exhibit closed over KKK painting to reopen

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After abruptly suspending the controversial “State of the Union” art exhibit last week, Salem State University reopened a modified version of the exhibition Wednesday following a meeting with students and faculty.

“It’s been challenging,” said Salem State University president Patricia Meservey. “We knew it would be a thought-provoking exhibit — it’s certainly succeeded in doing that.”

Salem State faculty members decided temporarily to close the exhibition at the school’s Winfisky Gallery after students complained about some of the show’s artworks, including “Meeting Under a Black Moon on the Plains of Despair,” a digital painting by Lowell artist Garry Harley that portrays members of the Ku Klux Klan.

The modified exhibition, which reopened Wednesday afternoon with an artist’s reception, now includes a statement at the gallery’s entrance acknowledging the students’ concerns, expanded artist statements, a public comment board, and a pipe-and-drape enclosure around Harley’s work.

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