Editor, the Times:

Regarding the letter to the editor 'Temple art didn't Reach him', Times, Jan. 12.

Art is something that is personal and subjective.

The beauty or artistic value is based on who's looking at the art, and how much they value that particular piece. No two people will love or even like the same art - that's the idea.

Music is a good example. Some people love opera, classical, and rock, while others love jazz, blues, and folk. The fact that I like or dislike a specific music genre in no way makes it better or worse.

If you decide you like hip hop, rap, and disco to the exclusion of everything else, should we get rid of all the other music just because you don't like it?

Abbotsford has many people groups, all of whom would prefer to have what they like or want, usually to the exclusion of anything else. You can vote with your feet by either attending or not attending different functions, including The Reach, depending on what your interests are.

But please don't be so narrow in the way you view the world and your neighbours to believe that everyone else believes, likes, and feels exactly the way you do.

Instead of stating that you have visited the Reach exactly twice since it's opened, and based on you viewing two exhibits feel it's a waste of money, you should maybe at least check out what they have had.

The Reach has had in excess of 60 different exhibits, including the art of Emily Carr, native works, Sikh historical compilations, CPR paintings from a private owner - these all have value to someone, and should impress most. Starting this month etchings by Goya will be on display, loaned to us from the National Gallery of Canada. Maybe instead of railing on the city for trying to provide a venue that expands our horizons, voice an opinion (constructively) to the people who are involved with bringing in the future exhibits.

The fact that Abbotsford with a population of 150,000 has a museum that is allowed to house some of the pieces they have on display is amazing.

Its mission is to exhibit both art and history through a variety of exhibitions.

More than 60,000 people have visited The Reach since it opened, which tells me that one or two actually appreciate what it has to offer.

The blessing of our society is that regardless of how you feel, you're entitled to voice your opinion, which you have. I am now voicing mine. I think we are fortunate to have The Reach in our community, and allow our children exposure to things that previous to its arrival involved a bus trip to Vancouver at a considerable expense.

The fact that admission is free is a bonus.

Doris Woodman-McMillan Abbotsford