So, Saturday Night Live has had it wrong all these years? My goodness, the things they've done to their presidents, not to mention the Queen and the Prince...and in most cases, those made fun of actually love it. Sarah Palin and countless other butts of jokes have made appearances on the show and other shows like it. Even Harper's office Tweeted in response to the painting: "On the Sutherland painting: we're not impressed. Everyone knows the PM is a cat person."

Thanks, Josh!

Well, Harper offends me on a daily basis. I think a bit of humour is just what we need right now.

That is ridiculous. I can't believe the library, of all people, would condone censorship. What does the Arts Council have to say about that?

This would also be a great time for those responsible to clean up the ragged yarn bombs and heavily postered poles downtown as well.

Seeing as this is the first hockey hall of fame in Canada, and Kingston is home to the first hockey game, shouldn't our history be enough to get the NHL involved here?

aw, you were right! Don't forget to give us your email so we can contact you!

I never said Sheesham and Lotus aren't professional. That was in Stephanie's post, not mine. I am very well aware of how professional they are. I'm surprised that with the amount you frequent the site (and with my other comment above) that you didn't know that I make my living playing the violin, so I certainly do know a pro when I see one.

I don't think I ever suggested that DIY art is of any less value or quality than professional art. If that came across, it was certainly not intended. I love DIY and participate in it all the time. I bring up the professional simply because the topic is one of millions that could have come from Wednesday's discussion and it is one that affects me personally. I often see jobs I could have had taken by non-professionals so it is a valid concern - at least when it comes to music. It brings to mind the article that was floating around social media recently about amateurs undercutting pros on gigs. This happens often and is frustrating.

At the same time, the pros need to take some responsibility and get a little more involved in the conversation. Many of my professional colleagues happily attend their concerts, recitals, workshops or exhibits but then walk through the rest of life with blinders on as to what else is happening in the community. I mention a great event like Homegrown or a studio tour and they know nothing about it. It's alarming.

I am but one voice that I think comes from both aspects of this conversation. I implore you all to feel free to bring up other topics that have come to mind since the seminar. This is not the beginning of the conversation as Mark suggests but rather a single spoke on the wheel. There is so much to discuss.

I was never one of the lucky students who could take off to the Caribbean for the week, but I knew a lot of people who did - and they were definitely not studying down there. I spent some reading weeks at home with mom and dad - brought my books, but still did a minimal amount of work - and spent some here in Kingston. No matter where I or my friends were, there wasn't a whole lot of studying going on. I think it's fair to say that this is the case for most students so I don't see how another week off will is necessary. As Harvey pointed out, it could very well lead to more unwanted partying in the neighbourhoods around Queen's and could take a toll on students who need that extra week of income in the summer to pay for school. University semesters are short - they can tough it out.