Support for Lambiel Museum | Letter

Published 10:55 am Tuesday, October 28, 2014

What has happened to our islands’ appreciation of art and kindness that are so unique to where we live? I, for one, am troubled about the fiasco created by somebody within our county government to fine Leo Lambiel for his wonderful art. The only tool that they could use to fine him was the fact that he did not have a building permit 19 years ago when his art was approved. Since when do art objects on a person’s property need a building permit? There are specific exemptions within our regulations that exclude art from these requirements. If the rules change later, then there are the grandfather laws that apply so as to not force people to meet new regulations as they change. This gross action has cost Leo over $50,000 to defend, when no defense should be necessary. This act is so egregious that it hardly seems real.

If you agree with me that this is a grossly unfair way to treat our local artists, please write more letters to the editor of his newspaper and also write letters to our county commissioners and to Randy Gaylord, who is the prosecutor in these situations. Another type of support that you might offer is to contact Leo and offer to sign a petition that is floating around to stop this bully-type of action against a great artist. His art museum that is open to the public with viewing arranged by appointment is located on Mt. Baker Road on the way to Rosario Resort on the right with the beautiful art work on his fence to his home.

Marilyn Parman

Orcas Island