Texas Mural of Nude Eve Draws Criticism

PILOT POINT, Texas (AP) -- People here aren't upset about what's inside a local art gallery. It's what's painted outside: a mural of a nude Eve.

Police gave gallery owner Wes Miller until Aug. 20 to change the wall mural, saying it violated state law against distributing "harmful material" to a minor. Otherwise, Miller will face criminal charges.

Miller said he'll go along with the change, though he doesn't see anything wrong with the picture, which depicts a reclining Eve, her pelvic region obscured in shadow, as a large hand points to the forbidden apple.

"I think of it as art on an art gallery wall," said Miller who has owned Farmers and Merchants Art Gallery for 28 years in this North Texas town.

But, he told the Denton Record-Chronicle in Friday's editions, "I don't feel it's my job to jeopardize my financial stability for the constitutional rights of the citizens of Pilot Point."

Miller said he and artist Justine Wollaston have discussed how to change the mural. One idea was a stripe across the breasts with the word "CENSORED."

No charges have been filed yet. "We've just had some complaints," Sgt. James Edland said.

City Council member Jay Melugin called the mural disgusting.

"I just don't like my children seeing it," he said.