The South Bay needs art because ...

Not everyone wants a photograph of the Manhattan Beach pier over their sofa

We need to invest in something besides real estate.

Even beautiful sunsets get boring after a while.

People have started believing that what they see at Fiesta Hermosa is art.

Art doesn't inundate us with annoying television commercials.

Most people's idea of public art is airbrushed on the side of a van.

Something has to go on the walls of your ego mansion.

Contrary to popular belief, those "To the Beach" signs aren't art.

Being a nice place doesn't translate to being an artistic place.

Our condos have generated a lot of negative karma.

Too many of South Bay kids are already growing up to be assholes.

Art gets better than 15 mpg and doesn't roll over in safety tests.

Local politics are so damned boring.

Raymond Pettibon no longer designs album covers.

Art makes you a better person – and we need better people.

Art openings are great excuses to party.

While the ocean is inspiring to look at, we aren't always at the beach.

Wallpaper and paneling aren't considered appropriate wall coverings anymore.

Not everyone surfs.

Somebody needs to design all these frickin' T-shirts.

The Del Amo Fashion Mall does not nurture the soul.

Anything would be better to look at than real estate signs.

We certainly don't need another Starbucks.

Most South Bay residents can't name a single local artist.

Two out of three voters prefer art to Greg Hill or Mike Gordon.

Art smells better and pollutes less than any of the refineries in the South Bay.

While rising property values may make you feel better, art makes life worth living.

Art has never conducted a telephone marketing campaign.

(September 22, 2004)