Read more about the Stockton Art Scene in my blog http://blogs.esanjoaquin.com/stockton-art/
The Letter Below Was Published In The Stockton Record On August 1, 2009
Stockton has recently lost three important arts professionals: Deena Heath, chair of the Stockton Arts Commission; Robyn Burror, manager of Stockton's Public Art Program; and Dean Gorby, director of Visual and Performing Arts for Stockton Unified.
Heath and Burror were both dismissed by the city, and Gorby retired, yet none of these positions is slated to be filled. The positions have vanished.
This is a tragic loss for a city that needs the stimulation of creative activity if it is to realize its goals of economic development.
Money spent on art does not drain resources from police, firefighters or teachers. Arts and art education are not for an elite population; they are for everyone. They create identity, they bring visitors, they say to the world that we care about who we are and what we represent. Eliminating professionals who are trained to bring the arts to our community is a short-sighted act of false economy.
Lisa Cooperman
member, Public Art Advisory Committee