These artists didn't live in a vacuum. There was a lot more exchange between artists and institutions than we tend to believe.

In Chicago, they were really trying to do something that goes in a different direction from what was happening in New York. There's a real continuity and a particular flavor to Chicago visual arts.

There's a real need for rethinking 20th-century art to include the whole country.

How do we get better artists? Show them they are appreciated.

I would have liked to see her include more of the local artists in events. It would have helped us get recognized and would have helped attendance at the museum. To me, it just didn't seem that the museum ever reached out to us. I would like the new director to invite all the local artists (to the museum) and get their ideas or suggestions. At least consider us.

People will enjoy the newer and younger artists. The last couple of years we got into a little bit of a rut featuring the same artists. There is a lot of talent out there.