Dear Editor,
Our county commissioners last year cut county funding to Yellowstone Art
Museum by 77% in order to direct more money toward public safety. This
drastic cut disrupted museum operations, reduced community programming, and
undermined YAM’s contributions as a regional economic driver.
But the funding cut also undermines public safety. Forty-odd years ago, I
paroled out of Montana State Prison to Billings. Visiting YAM soon after, I
was surprised by the facade of the old county jail, its name inscribed on
the massive stone slab over the low front door. I had an epiphany right then
and there: I wanted to be part of this community that would bring together
these two structures.
YAM is a fine example of productive partnership between local government
and a private cultural institution. It encourages creativity, understanding,
and growth. Today I am proud to have two of my paintings in the YAM annual
auction, a fitting affirmation of the journey from where I was to where I
want to be.
Our commissioners should recognize the important role of cultural
institutions in enriching lives and promoting safe communities. I encourage
them to continue the 30-year partnership with YAM by restoring funding to
previous levels. And I encourage all of us to consider balancing the
millions and millions of dollars proposed for constructing new jail cells
against the thousands of dollars historically used to support YAM and all it
does for growth through art. Remember: “An ounce of prevention is worth a
pound of cure.”
Thank you,
Hank Fuller
Billings, MT
