REPORT: Conservative complaints cause ETSU Reece Museum to scrap political art exhibition

A political art exhibition held at the Reece Museum at East Tennessee State University for years will not be returning, according to the show’s sponsor.

A published report said the ETSU Chapter of Charlie Kirk’s Turning Point USA group complained about exhibits at last year’s gathering that they said portrayed conservatives in a negative manner, including a piece that depicted House Speaker Mike Johnson in front of swastikas that then formed into a Christian flag.

East Tennessee and federal lawmakers complained to ETSU officials about the show, as well, with Sen. Rusty Crowe saying the art was hateful and US Rep Diana Harshbarger arguing the display mocked her Christian faith, the story said. The political-only displays were part of a show that raised funds for a scholarship named in honor of former student and artist Fletcher Dyer who died in a motorcycle crash in 2009.

The FL3TCH3R EXHIBIT of Social and Political Engaged Art had been held since 2013.

(IMAGE: Pexels / Greta Hoffman)