Is it time for the City of Portland and the Portland Museum of Art to make lemonade out of lemon choices?

The good news is that 142 Free St. is still standing. So here is a challenge to both sides of the issue:

• I am an architect with museum experience. At the age of 5 I was introduced to the art museum by way of an art appreciation for the youth. The program stuck with me and was very worthwhile. As we look at the 142 Free St. building, we see it has its own entry. Why not repurpose it into an entrance for our young to use for their own introduction to the arts with programs and displays centered on their interests?

• A more fitting entrance can then be designed to the right of the existing façade for the general public. I believe it can be done with every bit of success as the current design and contain similar attributes that will place PMA on solid footing for the future.

142 Free St. gets saved and PMA’s acclaim will feature art for all ages.

Marv Wiehe
Bailey Island