All images
(c)copyright
Monika
Steinhoff
New Mexico Artists, concerned about the future of their State and the world under the Bush Republicans are organizing a grass roots effort: a dialogue with NM citizens --- an educational project through creating billboards with truthful messages about the cost and ravages of war as well as positive alternatives to the direction the Bush government is taking.
Artists have helped shape the history and reputation of New Mexico for over 100 years; they were drawn to NM’s special light and beauty; tourists are drawn to the same; they also come to see and buy the art that artists create. In the Land of Enchantment, the bomb also had it’s birth, development and it’s home. The military/Industrial complex, given a mighty empowerment and push by the current government, now threatens more than ever to ruin/sacrifice what has brought us all here. NM has already become the waste repository for the Nuclear Industry and Weapons program. This threatens our ground water, our air and our whole state. Do we want to loose New Mexico to the Nuclear Industrial Complex? While New Mexico is a poor state we have an abundant share of wealthy here who build their 2nd, 3rd and 4th homes in Santa Fe. This has always given me hope. Money is like water to the grass roots; [where there is a problem the ‘divine’ usefully puts a solution nearby]: together we can confront the bomb.
If the US attacks Iraq aren’t we inviting more terrorism? Aren’t we and our state a prime target for terrorism as maker of the bomb?
We artists feel we must take a stand; it is a moral as well as pragmatic [ie. economic ] issue. We must help to reveal the truth that the Media, owned by the industrial/military complex does not print or show. We hope to create a series of billboards, some individual, in the style of the artist painting it, some collaborative efforts, within the next several months. Artists will donate their time to design the Billboard images as well as help to raise money for the production and rental of the billboard support. All donations are welcome; a grass roots effort takes partic- ipation on all levels of the economic ladder.
Fear is the enemy; courage [ and Art ] the weapon.
Information: 988-4920 e-mail: msteinhoff@cybermesa.com
Contributions - through LASG (Los Alamos Study Group-
982-7747; mark memo on checks: aSEA Billboard )