On Saturday, May 29, 2004, at 10 AM, artists, activists, and free speech devotees gathered at the Copobianco Gallery in North Beach in support of owner Lori Haigh's right to display controversial art. The controversy grew out of the display of a new painting by graphic novelist Guy Colwell depicting the Abu Ghraib prison torture, which has led to Haigh receiving threats on the lives of she and her children and enduring vandalism at her gallery. The Copobianco Gallery is located at 1841 Powell St, between Filbert and Greenwich at Washington Square.
The San Jose Mercury News reports, "In the past 10 days, Haigh has endured vandalism at her Capobianco Gallery, dozens of hate calls labeling her anti-American, and even a few death threats. Now disillusioned and frightened for her family, she's closed the Powell Street gallery at least temporarily, and maybe for good. That has spawned another protest, from San Francisco artists and publishers, including veterans of past censorship battles. They vow to persuade her to stay open."
...This has now become a national issue.The community needs to rally support for Lori, the gallery and Guy Colwell's art and the right to dissent. This attack can be a catalyst for people to show we will not be intimidated by the hate-mongers who are behind these attacks, that not only will we stand tall in defense of Lori & Guy Colwell, but that we also affirm the freedom of expression, the right to dissent and the importance of art in a time of war.
Express your belief in the right to speak freely and without intimidation by showing support for Lori Haigh and the Copobianco Gallery by e-mailing info@capogallerysf.com or writing to: 1841 Powell Street, San Francisco CA 94133-2809.
National Coalition Against Censorship action alert
The San Jose Mercury News reports, "In the past 10 days, Haigh has endured vandalism at her Capobianco Gallery, dozens of hate calls labeling her anti-American, and even a few death threats. Now disillusioned and frightened for her family, she's closed the Powell Street gallery at least temporarily, and maybe for good. That has spawned another protest, from San Francisco artists and publishers, including veterans of past censorship battles. They vow to persuade her to stay open."
...This has now become a national issue.The community needs to rally support for Lori, the gallery and Guy Colwell's art and the right to dissent. This attack can be a catalyst for people to show we will not be intimidated by the hate-mongers who are behind these attacks, that not only will we stand tall in defense of Lori & Guy Colwell, but that we also affirm the freedom of expression, the right to dissent and the importance of art in a time of war.
Express your belief in the right to speak freely and without intimidation by showing support for Lori Haigh and the Copobianco Gallery by e-mailing info@capogallerysf.com or writing to: 1841 Powell Street, San Francisco CA 94133-2809.
Shop owner Lori Haigh has a "past", and so there has been an attempt to discredit her personally, some suggesting she concocted this herself to get publicity.
I don't know, but I think if she did, next time she should stop short of having someone punch her in the face and break her nose.
....but hey, do what you want....you will anyway.
