With Thanksgiving in our recent rear-view mirror, I’ve been reflecting on all the things I have to be grateful for. I am grateful for you. I’d like to give my heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you who took the time to read and sign this petition. Without you this effort wouldn't have gone anywhere. By showing up in the world and contributing your voice, you have made a real difference for those who have no voice. Thank you. In the process, you have been part of something truly extraordinary: for any petition to garner over half a million signatures in just four days is unprecedented. Just the first four days of your support is all it took for the Guggenheim to reconsider moving forward with their tasteless curation decisions, regardless of the reasons they ultimately gave. And in the next four days you have the opportunity to be a part of something else extraordinary. In case you haven’t read the previous petition update (“Biting Back – Art for a Good Paws”), three women in New York City have gone above and beyond in an effort to continue this important dialogue, with the aim of benefiting animals while they’re at it. Thanks to Kim Holiner, Eliza Kapitan, and Elizabeth “Liz” Argibay, we have the opportunity to continue this conversation in New York City this weekend (please see the last petition update for important time and place logistics). The dedication and hard work of these three women have given us a platform to recommence the debate: what place should animal cruelty and torture hold in the making of art? In what circumstances should it be tolerated, if any? Though in a sense it still feels unbelievable that we even need to have this debate – as the answer should be “none” and “never” – this fact remains: the Guggenheim isn’t the first museum, and won’t be the last, to attempt to show artworks abusing animals under the guise of “edgy art.” It is vital to shine the spotlight on this larger question about what should be permissible in art exhibits, on behalf of all those future animals. And arguably, on behalf of the integrity of our most beloved art institutions as well. You may be familiar with the quote: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated.” Though this quote is often mistakenly attributed to Mahatma Gandhi, and its true author is unknown, it nonetheless offers room for reflection. Certainly, the Guggenheim’s curation choices displayed an unambiguous lack of moral progress and an out-of-touch perspective that would set us back as a society, not move us forward, which is what true art does. And this is exactly what the three-day event organized by Kim, Eliza and Liz will do: move us forward into the next phase of this important discussion, with or without the involvement of the Guggenheim. What is “Biting Back – Art for a Good Paws?” Opening this Friday, Dec 1, “Biting Back” is a beautiful art show of strength and compassion created in response to the Guggenheim’s statement, and its theme is “for the love of animals.” Everything about the show is an act of community and giving: 40+ artists have donated artworks; A Bar Brooklyn has donated the space itself; nearly two dozen sponsors have donated raffle prizes; and 100% of proceeds from sales and raffles will go to Animal Haven, a NYC-based animal shelter. And all of this was done on the personal time and resources of three remarkable women who had an idea. What Kim, Eliza and Liz have accomplished is nothing short of an act of social alchemy: transforming a situation at once toxic and defeating, into one of beauty and empowerment. Is there anything more artistic and creative? Take notes, Guggenheim. On this Giving Tuesday I’m asking you to consider donating whatever you can to their fundraising page for Animal Haven (link featured in this update), whether or not you also plan to attend the show (I’d love to see you there!). Your donation need not be much – in fact, given there are 800K+ of you, just imagine the jaw-dropping impact if every one of you donated $1. How phenomenal would that be? It’s hard to even conceive of, but I couldn’t have conceived of the success of this petition either before it happened. You’ve done it before, and you can do it again: make an unprecedented statement in numbers. The bigger the response and impact from this event, the louder the message will be to the Guggenheim and the world. And simultaneously, the greater the benefit to the animals. Let’s show the Guggenheim that artistic discernment coming from a place of compassion is a force to be reckoned with. It holds an inherent resilience that will always prevail over mute dominance. We haven’t forgotten their nonchalant defense of using (and abusing) animals in the name of art, and we have enough perspective to understand that freedom of expression and animal abuse are not congruent in any respect. Let’s advance the real discussion the Guggenheim wishes to avoid: the one which would bring their curatorial decisions into the light to be examined openly by parties on all sides, and which would set a precedent for the future. As an institution of higher learning, it should be the Guggenheim’s responsibility and privilege to educate the public and to welcome discourse on “challenging art.” And surely they should be “committed to presenting a multiplicity of voices,” as articulated in their official statement. It’s time to make clear what we all already know: that this is not a question of victimization or censorship, nor is it an assault on free speech, as the Guggenheim would have us believe. They tied their own shoelaces together and fell flat on their face, blaming the uneven sidewalk. Thank you for reading. Thank you for your voice, for your support, and for your compassion. And thank you for giving. Cliff's Notes: it would be AMAZING if you could donate even just $5 to support this cause, continue this conversation, and send a strong message to the Guggenheim that we haven't backed down. As of now, just 20 beautiful folks have generously donated, but we'd like that number to be much higher! I'd love for you to continue to feel as much ownership in the success of this effort as I do, along with Kim, Eliza and Liz. THANK YOU in advance! (Click on the Animal Haven fundraising link below) p.s. Check the previous update for detailed logistics of the actual art show, "Biting Back - Art for a Good Paws" (A Bar Brooklyn, Fri 12/1 7pm - midnight; Sat 12/2 1-6 pm; Sun 12/3 1-5 pm)