the crisis in our culture: north adams edition

Guest Blogger: JL of Modern Kicks

A specter is haunting North Adams—the specter of boobies:

The North Adams City Council will review today an ordinance proposed by Councilor Robert R. Moulton Jr. "on moral grounds" that would prohibit displays of nude artwork in downtown shops, galleries, sidewalks and public places.

In his letter to the council, Moulton stated that he wants councilors "to look into adopting some kind of city ordinance to prohibit the public display of any picture, artwork, painting or statue that shows any nude or partially nude male or female that would be covered on a public beach."

"It's something that's past due" said Moulton in a phone interview from his Moulton's Spectacle Shoppe in Bennington, Vt. "I know we're getting into the First Amendment here, but I just think we should consider what should and should not be allowed on our city's streets."

Moulton said he decided to suggest the ordinance after spotting a nude female sketch hanging in a window display at Gallery Row and Berkshire Gifts on Eagle Street. Moulton co-owns Moulton's Pizzeria, which is located nearby at 117 Main St., with his brother, Mark P. Moulton.

The sketch in question, a black, white and red outline of a woman's body, belongs to artist and developer Eric Rudd. Rudd was quite surprised by Moulton's ordinance idea. Rudd also owns the Eagle Street building in question, according to the Registry of Deeds.

"If [Moulton's] law was passed elsewhere in the world, it would permanently shut down places like Paris, Rome and even the Vatican," Rudd said. "I'd be glad to give lessons on art history and art appreciation, if need be."

Moulton said he appreciates art, but believes it should be displayed in certain places. "I see nothing wrong with that kind of art, but there should be a place for it," Moulton said. "A mother walking her kids in a stroller shouldn't be exposed to it. If we don't do something, what's the next step? How far do we let this go?"

How far indeed? Pretty soon there'll be cats and dogs living together. In all seriousness, the lovely town of North Adams, home to MassMoCA, no doubt is experiencing some culture clashes as it transitions from an old mill town to (along with neighboring Williamstown) a leading arts center of the region. And on an emotional level, I'm not entirely unsympathetic. The New England puritan in me understands Mr. Moulton's objection that not everything is appropriate to every place. Given that it only recently became possible to buy a six-pack on Sunday in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, it's not surprising that pubic display of depictions of nudity are going to get someone annoyed. But that doesn't make the proposal any less entertaining. And - do I have to say it? - this is going nowhere. As another city councilor, one who recently opposed an anti-war play performance no less, says, "If we pass that, we're going to look like a rerun of the Beverly Hillbillies." Wouldn't want that art tourist money will decide that Californy is the place it oughta be.