To the editor:

I applaud the local folks in the art world for hosting Lawrence Print Week. The state of Kansas has a unique history with art prints and one to celebrate. Having worked in the art business here in Lawrence for over 20 years, art prints are among my favorite and the bulk of my collection.

The “main event” of print week, the Lawrence Print Fair on Sept. 21, is being billed as a chance to peruse and purchase prints. What the event lacks is the spirit of the art print: to allow all people to get the print bug and own and start a collection.

The event will not offer great deals and fun starter prints for collectors of little means. The night before, people paying $40 each will get first choice of the prints. By the time the “main event” happens, the good deals and choice prints will be gone.

I guess due to lack of Brownback funding, the Brownback style has affected the local art scene. (The people of means get all the advantages.)

In the spirit of the art print, I encourage artists and print workshops to withhold their lower-price prints until the “main event.”