“Don’t tell me you didn’t have something to do with it?” Bette retorted, knowing there wasn’t much that occurred in the art world that Peggy didn’t have a hand in.

“I did put in a good word for you but believe me darling the vote was unanimous. You earned this on your own reputation and merit. The CAC needs someone like you at the helm. I’ve supported them for years through the Peabody Arts Foundation grants but they have a reputation for playing it safe and letting bureaucracy win over creative expression. You will breathe new life into this place. I promise you, it will be a welcomed change. I’m almost regretting that I won’t be here to witness it firsthand.”

“Just my luck that you decide to take a two-year sabbatical just when I’m likely to need you the most.” Bette whined.

“I’m sorry darling I know its bad timing but I’m sure you will do just fine. You have plenty of support from the board members, executive staff and affluent patrons of the arts not only locally but nationwide as well.”

“Peggy we are facing one of the most difficult fund raising climates in CAC history. We’re hemorrhaging.”

“Bette that is the very reason why Franklin was asked to step down and why you were elected to replace him. Things were stagnant under his leadership; but I and your backers have every confidence in you. There is no doubt that you will bring the type of shows and funding to the CAC that will revitalize and secure their future. Franklin was shortsighted and so afraid to take chances on anything other than conventional mainstream projects. It’s no wonder he couldn’t generate enough interest to raise adequate funding.”

“Don’t I know it. As a board member you can’t imagine how many times I’ve proposed exhibits like Provocations. He’s shot them down every time because they may stir up a little controversy.”

“He never understood that getting away from the mundane and stirring things up a bit could be a good thing. It’s exactly what is needed to revive the art center and generate interest again. You have to keep up with the times and continually change gears to attract and maintain an audience.”