To the editor:

This concerns Journal-World coverage of the “John Brown Hawk” sculpture by Jim Brothers, et al. First, I want to say that I greatly admire Jim Brothers; he’s a brilliant sculptor. We expected something splendid from him and we got it. So, my disappointment and agitation is, in no way, directed at him. What I am upset about is the childish, inconsiderate and self-centered behavior exhibited by the only newspaper in town.

Now that the community project, “Jayhawks on Parade” (JoP) is under way, with completed works on public display, what does the Journal-World do? They give front-page, full-color coverage of the one Jayhawk they sponsored. The article’s title, “John Brown Hawk tops the flock,” declares the superiority of their sponsored Jayhawk. And, to make sure we understand, the World Company’s general manager says, “As it turned out, I’m sure it’s the best of all the Jayhawks.”

I’m appalled that this newspaper would exploit its privileged position in Lawrence to promote and brag about their sponsored creation. JoP is a wonderful community project, consisting of many versions of the beloved KU mascot, produced with much labor and time by many talented artists. What does exalting the talents of one participating artist (and his team) say to the others? Think about it. As one of those other artists, I really don’t mind taking a back seat to Brothers. But I resent the Journal World’s divisive casting of JoP as a competition and their childish, publicized declaration that “theirs” is best.

Sharon Dewey,

Lawrence