UPEI AVC artist in residence resigns over response to painting

The artist in residence at the University of Prince Edward Island’s Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) has quit after being told to take down a painting that received complaints from US faculty members, reports the Toronto Star. Artist Christopher Griffin said his work began to become more political starting in January. His painting, “The Crossing,” parodies the Washington Crossing the Delaware painting with lemmings crossing the Delaware River. The painting was displayed for two weeks before Griffin received an email from administration; the Star reports that Griffin was told he could terminate his residency or remove the painting and chose the former option. In a statement, UPEI said that it has reached out to Griffin to offer him the opportunity to give a talk about his artwork and perspective, and to show his paintings on campus. PS. AVC has issued a direct apology to Christopher Griffin for its response to his painting The Crossing. As part of its apology, it has offered to post the painting in a prominent campus location.