Gekko -- I'll trade places with you then, you can come and stay in my little apartment in Chicago and I'll move into your place on the park ;)

Actually, I'm making a friend of mine with a digital camera go over there and snap photographs for me as there is no way I'll be able to swing a trip out there to see it. Personally, I think it looks spectacular. However I can appreciate the skepticism over the use (or misuse) of resources for such a creation.

"Christo and Jeanne-Claude have donated $3 million to benefit Central Park and other city parks. They will also assume all costs associated with The Gates. All income derived from the sale of The Gates merchandise will benefit Nurture New York’s Nature Inc. and the Arts, Central Park, and other city parks. "

This was taken from the link below:

http://www.centralparknyc.org/17613/2400894

For the record, Jean-Claude and Christo are paying all costs for the installation and allied expenses, such as extra police, etc. So, from an economic point of view, the city will be reaping financial benefits for this "fiasco," while not having to pay for the "overhead." (And, the revenue from the sale of T-shirts and other merchandise goes to charities.)
For the naysayers, I'm sure if you really try, you can live with this The Gates two weeks....while the rest of us enjoy this probable once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Do I expect it to be one of the great works of art I've ever seen? Probably not. But, do I expect to be one of the most unusual? Definitely!

My gosh... a "once in a lifetime experience". Come on, Howard. I can think of hundreds of other "once in a lifetime" experiences I would rather have than this! And I don't care that the "artist" put up his own money. Wasteful, in my opinion.

Michelle, I don't ridicule you for not having any enthusiasm for The Gates; so, please, don't ridicule me for having the enthusiasm.

Wow. Some really odd answers. Because some people don't like this particular style, they don't think it should happen? Would thesepeople do away with modern art museums if they don't happen to like modern art?Or if they feel classic art is old fashioned, just throw it out? Whether a person happens to appreciate or like this particular "happening" art, is of no consequence. If you support art, how can you not support a world famous artist doing his craft, whether you happen to like his style or not?
And since this is coming out of the artists' pockets and earning the city money, not costing them, how can anyone complain about the cost?

I was fortunate to see the exhibit about The Gates at the Metropolitan this last year and it was fascinating. I only wish I could see the real thing. Frankly I'm not crazy about his stuff, including the "wrappings" he does, but as a supporter of arts, I DO love the fact that these things happen.

I don't really understand the comments about it being a waste of resources. I mean, it's their money, who am I to tell them how to spend it? Sure, it might be more altruistic to give it to charity - but it would also be more altruistic for me to give the $4.50 I spend every day on lattes to charity. It is a different scale, obviously, but I don't see how that changes anything. Are you also condemning rock stars who buy $20 million mansions?

Personally, I am very excited for the Gates. I am going on Saturday (hope to see how the Park changes as they are unfurled, although I understand that the unfurling is not meant to be the critical part of the experience) and will post back on Monday.

Well stated Howard, Kikilee & Patrick.

Open your minds people! You don't have to love it, or even like it...but it's not necessary for you to condemn it.

Consider taking some time to find out what the exhibit means to the artist who created it. Broaden your horizons for just one teeny-tiny second.

You're all travellers...do you experience a new destination in the same closed minded way? I don't think so.

My apologies, Howard. I did not mean to ridicule you or others.

I certainly have an open mind and have a very (*very*) deep appreciation for art -- I just do not consider this mega-installation to be artistic. Others may and I certainly hope they enjoy it.

Apology accepted, Michelle.
I am a great believer in experiencing new and different things. And, I've been told that "enthusiasm" is one of my strongest characteristics. Combining those two factors, how could I not be looking forward to seeing The Gates.
Will I love it as a piece of art? Maybe, yes; maybe, no. But I do know that it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. How could I possibly miss it?

tpattrico-I think that those with a negative opinion of this exhibit have just as much right to state that as those who are looking forward to it. I consider myself openminded and will be seeing the outdoor laundry blowin' in the breeze and decide for myself. However, do keep in mind that NYC is all about art and there are plenty of places to see it. My PERSONAL OPINION is that I really don't want it in my one and only open escape to nature. This really sucks for birdwatchers too.
However, I can endure pretty much anything the city throws at me for 2 weeks, republican convention aside....

We're going on Wednesday and I can't wait. I was in Paris in 1985 when the Pont Neuf bridge was wrapped. It was a sensational sight, and an amazing experience. I went to the bridge several times over a 2-week period at different times of day. There were locals, tourists, stiltwalkers, engagements, marriages, dinner parties, children on school trips . . . it went on and on.

Not only is Cristo covering the costs, all the materials will be recycled when the installation comes down.

I think for some people this comes down to the NIMBY rule.

bugswife1, I agree with you that people should have the right to express their opinion whether it's positive or negative.

However, I do hope that they form their opinion after finding out and experiencing what they are judging first.

tpattrico-my opinion was based on several articles, diagrams, photos, and other media tidbits that give a fairly adequate description of the project. my opinion is also based upon other projects by this artist.
Maybe it is just me, but I feel that this art is a bombardment on the park that i can live without when I go for my sunday 'at one with nature' stroll. But, I promise my review will be fair.

I wish I had trekked up to Sonoma and Marin County with a carload of classmates to experience "Running Fence"
in 1976. If the film by Albert Maysles
is playing in NYC-do try to see it.
It's a rather fascinating story
of cooperation (ultimately)among 50-60 ranchers,
multiple public hearings, a few trips to Court, an EIR....
Now that I live in the area where
"Running Fence" was installed, I wish
I had seen it first hand.
Art is supposed to evoke thought and
dicussion. Good for IT!
Ars gratia artis.
R5

That is the smartest thing anyone has said to this point razzledazzle.

"art is supposed to evoke thought and discussion."

Well, in that case it is working. This "art" has already inspired 36 "thoughts and discussions" among this tiny group. Maybe that's the greatest accomplishment of this sample of art?

My husband, our dog IGY Pup, and I will be making a day trip to Central Park on Sunday to experience the Gates. I can't wait!!! I will reserve judgement until after I have experienced it.

bugswife1 - When you are in the Park on Sunday, if you see an old hippie (pony tail and beard) walking with a woman with long, light brown wavy hair, both who are walking behind a wirehaired dachshund wearing a coat (maybe orange to match the "flapping laundry"), be sure to say, "Hi"...it might be me.

Looking forward to a great, and interesting day. Peace. :)>-

Robyn

Robyn of artstuff (sounds like a British title!), I will look for you, too!
Howard