'Dresden' (Mississippi exhibition) faces deficit of $1M

[lebkuchen]

The German exhibit in downtown Jackson could end with a $1 million deficit and spell the end for future projects.

Jack Kyle, executive director of the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange, said ticket sales for the Glory of Baroque Dresden exhibition are expected hit the 100,000 mark over the weekend, Kyle said. But the exhibit at the Mississippi Arts Pavilion needs to draw 220,000 additional visitors before it ends Sept. 6 to break even, he said.

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Art officials from Vienna, Austria, the Netherlands, and Italy have all approached officials about possible future exhibitions in Jackson.

They may never come to fruition, however, if state and local funding does not come through.

"The benefits far outweigh the negative as far as not being able to come up with state's share of the money," said state Rep. Credell Calhoun, D-Jackson, who visited the exhibit when it opened. "The funds that are going to be lost are made up for in the education of our children across the state."

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040731/NEWS01/407310375/1002

[lebkuchen]

1. Two letters to the Clarion Register in support of the Dresden exhibit

*I can't wait for this exhibit to return to Germany so I can see it.

Support Dresden exhibit with visits

My husband and I recently attended "The Glory of Baroque Dresden" exhibit. Volunteers indicated that support from the local area has not been as good as in past years.

It will be a sad thing if Mississippi is unable to support further exhibits of this caliber.

This particular collection of King August the Strong has something for everyone. The green diamond is incredible, but there is much more to see: the paintings by Rembrandt and Reubens, the magnificent armor, 300-year-old pistols and rifles, the unique deer and elk trophies, coins, sculptures and, of course, the porcelain.

I hope everyone will consider touring "The Glory of Baroque Dresden" before it's gone. What a great place to take family and friends, or just spend a Sunday afternoon. It would be a shame if this proves to be the last such event in Mississippi.

Debbie Goodman

Brandon

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040731/OPINION/407310302/1009


Make effort, attend Dresden exhibit

In response to the article ("Gov. makes pitch to help lift 'Dresden' ticket sales," July 8), I feel it would be a shame to let such opportunities to learn about different cultures and history, which have been so graciously offered to our state, go to waste.

Too often Mississippi is last in obtaining such exhibits if they are obtained at all. If ticket sales do not increase for the Dresden exhibit, I fear Mississippi may lose future exhibits which have the potential to boost our economy and the reputation of our state as well.

My wife and I have seen this exhibit and were left in awe, knowing that we were inches from treasures that have such a storied history.

How can we expect others to appreciate and take advantage of what Mississippi has to offer when even we don't make the effort?

Jamie E. Hadorn

Batesville

http://www.clarionledger.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20040731/OPINION/407310379/1009

[Rowdyboy]

2. Its really sad...

This is a fabulous exhibit and its the last one we'll ever get. I can't believe people aren't taking the opportunity.

[lebkuchen]

3. Do you think it's because they can't afford to?

Does it have anything to do with the economy?

[Rowdyboy]

4. One thing is -exhibit overload.....

Jack Kyle, the man behind this is enormously successful in getting great support. In recent years we've had Palaces of St Petersburg, the Glories of Imperial Spain, a major art show from London and several other big time shows. The local school system has EXTREMELY restricted field trips (NOW they're going to try to make it up the 1st two weeks of school, which will be a mess). Also, I'm ashamed to admit, there's a certain element of "anti-German" prejudice due to lack of German support for the administration.

We've had things that have never been out of their country before, came here and nowhere else. And this, sadly, will be the last time. I'm sure Mr. Kyle will move on, and whatever community gets him has a real treasure on their hands. He has fabulous connections.

[finecraft]

5. Louisiana schools allow few field trips

I've been concerned about this for a long time. I used to work at a historic home, and the first few years I was there we had a ton of schools that came to visit. Starting about 5 or 6 years ago, our school trips fell off big time - from a season total of 200 or so to well under 100. I can remember when I went to school (many, many years ago), we went on at least 2 field trips a year...to natural history and art museums, the symphony, the ballet, the theater, all sorts of cultural events. The only place it seems they take school kids now days is the zoo...and that's only the grade school kids. I didn't see a high-school class visit in years, and very few middle school classes. It's a shame.

[amazona]

6. maybe lack of advertising/publicity?

How many people even knew it was there? I heard something vague about a green diamond but not much more. People can't come if they don't know.

This weekend is taken but I've put it on my calendar as a "must do" for August.

On Edit-- I'm on a camping kick, any Jackson residents want to suggest a good campground in the area, thanks.