We attended a meeting at the Alexey von Schlippe Gallery that brought together community supporters of the Gallery and representatives from the University of Connecticut to address their decision to close the Gallery. Advocates for the Gallery at the Avery Point campus recounted its history and its unique contributions to the enrichment of the cultural and social fabric of southeastern Connecticut.

Provost Sally Reis spoke of budget cuts that led to their decision to close the Gallery; blatantly contradicting the stated austerity measures, a Dean of Fine Arts spoke of her agenda to bring new programs to the campus and the ensuing need for more classroom space. She attempted to mollify us by insultingly suggesting the Gallery could operate out of any storefront location. She was dismissive of the Gallery’s 24-year history and its importance to us. In contrast, supporters proposed several constructive suggestions how the Gallery could work together with new programs in a mutually beneficial manner.

The fiscally based closure decision is particularly distasteful in light of the large raises awarded to the very administrators who are responsible for slashing programs. We hope our input will not fall on deaf ears. How disturbingly sad if it does.

Gideon and Melanie Loewenstein

Groton