ALBANY MIDDLE SCHOOL PUBLIC ART PROGRAM
		Not to be outdone by the Albany Arts Committee, the Albany Middle School has launched its own public art program, which is certainly as striking as anything the Arts Commiittee has come up with.  We contacted a school official who agreed to talk to us but insisted on anonymity since art is a very sensitive subject. AC: When did you embark on your program? AMS: Well, we didn't actually "embark" on it.  It just sort of developed on its own. AC: But where did all the letters go? AMS: Surely you've noticed all those heavy backpacks the kids carry around? We think they're in there.  But we can't look in 'em to see what's what because that would be an invasion of privacy. Kids have rights too, you know. AC: But then how do you solve this problem? AMS: Well, actually it's not really a problem.  We teach the kids to love their ABCs, and when they see some nice ones, they just naturally want them so bad that they take them.
	So, in a sense, the missing letters are a clear sign of a deep love of learning on the part of our kids, and reflect our superior educational system here in Albany. AC: Families sometimes move to Albany for the excellence of our schools.  Do you really think they will be impressed with our school system when they look at these signs? AMS: Some will, and some won't.  But look at the bright side, for those who make the wrong interpretation and decide not to move here, Albany's carbon footprint will not be increased. AC: Ah, yes. There is that. But houses seem to always sell well in Albany.  Won't someone else move here anyway? AMS: Possibly.  But at least the School District won't be responsible for it.  We can only work proactively in areas under our control and jurisdiction.  The City will have to bear responsibility for those others who move here; maybe the City can go carbon trading and buy its way out.  We have no funds for that. AC: I think we're getting a bit far a field here.  Let me ask you straight out: do you think the signs look good this way? AMS: Yes I do. They look excellent.  Teachers and school administrators pass by them every day and seem to like them.  Art interpretation is always a bit subjective, and any student who might be upset about them can always take advantage of our world-class counseling program. AC: I see. And thank you for speaking with us about art in Albany. AMS: My pleasure.