“Art can make you wonder. Art can make you smile. Art can make you think. Art has the ability to change the world.” As we finished installing the APS Inside & Out Photo Project, my co-director of the project, David Albino, said those words. I would like to add, “Sometimes, art can make you angry.”

I have become aware of some misunderstandings about the APS Inside & Out photo project that have made some people angry. Following are some facts about our endeavor. Please share these facts with others as you speak about the photographs covering the south side of Austin High School.

First, the project is not an Austin High School photography project. It was created by a small group of AHS alumni and myself.

Secondly, the Austin School District did not use one penny of district funds to make this project happen. It was completely funded by a very generous donation made directly to the APS Inside & Out group from Amanda Hocking. Supplies were donated by Hy-Vee and Walmart.

As a group, we have received overwhelming positive feedback about the visual metaphor that was created to depict what is happening behind our school walls. However, we want to make sure the facts are clear to dispel any unfounded negative feelings.

Lisa Beschnett, Owatonna