Is the Expansion of Bowers Museum Needed?

I was very disappointed to read (May 23) of the “loss of momentum” in the fund-raising and expansion plans of the Bowers Museum that led to the resignation of Paul Piazza. Piazza is quoted as saying that it would be perhaps as long as two years before the museum reopens after the expansion is completed.

I have been a museum member for three years, and frankly I saw no reason whatever for the expansion or renovation. Piazza’s claim that it was “understaffed, underfunded and underattended” perhaps came when he compared the museum to his previous workplaces. Small as it was, the Bowers Museum had some very impressive exhibits: the pre-Columbian art exhibit and the early California Indian Birdsong exhibit, for example. Those exhibits drew hundreds of visitors each Saturday that I attended, and I went back to the exhibits at least three times each (bringing different friends or family) because I enjoyed them so much.

Orange County has almost no museums. In order to see art or historical artifacts, it is now necessary to drive into Los Angeles or Pasadena. What’s wrong with the people of Orange County (and particularly Santa Ana) that they will allow the closure of this important part of the community for at least two years and perhaps indefinitely? Isn’t anyone else in Orange County interested in art or in history?

I feel that the community--especially the businesses in Santa Ana and surrounding communities--should come to the rescue of this fine old museum. Let’s reopen the Bowers Museum.

THERESA RASMUSSEN

Costa Mesa