THANKS MR MALCOLM ROGERS

Boston.com / A&E / Theater/Arts / Art fans take a Vegas vacation

According to this article, Mr. Malcom Rogers is being criticized for showing works of fine art at a gallery at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. Thousands of people in Las Vegas have had a chance to see the works of art - locals, tourists, patrons on a trip from Boston, schoolchildren. I can't think why he is being criticised. I like to think of the children on their school trip, crowding around their teacher as he stands in front of a painting, excited and flushed and happy from a chance to be outside the classroom. What line has Mr. Rogers crossed by accepting money from the Bellagio to show these works of art? If the money comes from wealthy white bread patrons with icy blue cold New England blood in their veins, apparently it is legitimate, according to the critics. If the money comes from a Vegas hotelier and dealer, it is not? Can't understand the logic. I mean, can't the critics see the irony? All that crass Vegas money used to support the, uh, legitimate arts? Hasn't that always been the pattern? Crass businessman makes money, buys himself into society, supports the arts, is no longer crass. The money always comes from the same place. Through the hard work and sweat of others. Selling buttons, boats, rubber, tobacco, tvs, cell phones, poker chips and hotel rooms. It's all commerce. It's how the world works. And it is a good thing. Let the children have their art.