A sampling of reactions to the new art museum

“Photo on the front page of the Times looks like the Wreck of the Flying Nun.”

— Judy M. Burleson, Eagle Rock, March 2005

“What a windfall that wise city leaders have obtained the services of the genius-architect Randall Stout to design the new art museum building … Groundbreaking will be a great day!”
— Rose Bayly, Roanoke, March 2005

“The proposed design is nothing short of a monstrosity … It is analogous to many of today’s young people who deface their bodies with piercings and 'art’ in a desperate attempt to be noticed.”

— Bill Weikart, Troutville, March 2005

“I would have been disappointed if the building just sort of blended in. I certainly think it shows off the old buildings better. I just think the contrast is nice.”

— Betsy Williams, Roanoke, April 2005

“It reminded me of a train engine to the future. It inspired me to write an American haiku poem about it:

A futuristic

Train taking its passengers

To heaven on earth”

— Craig Jones, Blue Ridge, March 2005

“I doubt Stout’s scheme will be built. It will just be too expensive, and he won’t be able to explain how to build it.”

— Dennis Kilper, Virginia Tech, March 2005

“People build stuff like that consistently. I think the only thing that could mess it up is academic whining.”

— Bill Green, Virginia Tech, April 2005

“We welcome debate.”

— Georganne Bingham, art museum executive director, April 2005

“Anytime you can start that kind of a conversation about art and architecture, bring it on.”

— John Reburn, Roanoke, April 2005

“From what I read in the paper and see on TV, I think it’s a wonderful thing to have. Roanoke needs a shot in the arm.”

— Evelyn Webb, Roanoke, August 2005.

“To me it looks like something some prehistoric monster regurgitated, and so close to other landmarks like the train station and Hotel Roanoke. Shame, shame.”

— John Edward Hughes, Staunton, November 2007

“It grows on you. Now that I see it rising, it actually does fit in, in a different kind of way. It’s not like the other buildings. But it complements them. Just generally, I like the way it looks.”

— Rick Phillips, Troutville, January 2008

“No one has decided they liked it. ... It’s being built. What the hell are we supposed to do? It is without a doubt the worst thing I have ever seen in my life.”

Anonymous caller, South Roanoke, January 2008

“I think it’s beautiful. The reason we decided to move to this area was because Roanoke had this burgeoning arts community, which includes this really cool art museum. I can’t wait to get inside.”

— Laura Rawlings, Roanoke, January 2008

"There is likely some fine art inside of that monstrosity, but the building itself will never qualify as such.”

— Terry Franklin, Roanoke County, January 2008.

“At this point what does it matter? It’s our museum and we all support it. I only hope what might be a nice interior gallery will validate the excess of its exterior.”

— Dennis Kilper, Virginia Tech, January 2008

“A museum isn’t a building, any more than a church is. It’s the people, the exhibits, the programs, and how they affect the community. I think the focus now needs to be on what the museum is at its heart.”

— Judy M. Burleson, Eagle Rock, January 2008