One of the murals painted for the Life is Beautiful Festival came down a couple of weeks ago. Critics said it "didn't reflect the spirit of downtown." The image of a man with a slot machine on his chest and hands reaching out of the desert was also painted on the side of a building owned by a casino company. Supporters of the mural said the image sparked discussion. But others say the role of public art is to create beauty and lift spirits. So how should public art spark community dialogue? Or are some images not appropriate for public display?
Ed Fuentes, arts journalist and photographer
Eloise Damrosch, executive director, Regional Arts and Culture Council, Portland, Oregon
Stephen Grogan, first vice chair, Las Vegas Arts Commission