America the Beautiful by Tag Purvis

When Tag Purvis projected his film "America the Beautiful" in the window of his Lincoln Road studio last December, the management of neighboring Van Dyke Cafe angrily demanded that he cease and desist. Purvis, a soft spoken Southerner whose immense artistic talent is downplayed by his modest demeanor, was surprised. His 16mm movie portrayed two men kissing in a romantic, non pornographic light. A mass Friday night "kiss-in" was held in front of the Van Dyke in defense of Purvis's film installation, and the protest lead to a pedestrian debate about censorship. All public art should be as engaging.