Suspended art teacher moonlights as butt printing artist
Categories: Education
Personally, I wouldn't give a crap what my kid's art teacher did in his spare time. I would naturally assume that most high school art teachers are creative folks who wanted to be artists but didn't want to live a life without health benefits, so I would assume they are doing some art in their spare time. But Stephen Murmer, a popular art teacher at a high school in Chesterfield County, Virginia was recently suspended for the art he creates in his spare time. Just because he creates art by painting with his ass. Specifically, Murmer puts paint on his ass and then sits on a canvas. There you have it: butt art.
Now he's suing. The ACLU is representing him, arguing that he cannot be suspended or fired for artistic expressions that do not involve the school. Murmer has always gone incognito with his butt art, appearing in disguise in photographs and videos when promoting it.
Students at the high school are mostly supportive of Murmer, calling his suspension "stupid," "ignorant" and "kinda retarded." They described Murmer as a funny, likable and popular teacher.
Murmer's art isn't cheap. On his Web site, his creations can cost almost $1,000. His most popular piece, "Tulip Butts," retails for $600.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Keri 12-13-2006 @ 3:27PM
link, please?
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Christine 12-13-2006 @ 3:23PM
I looked at his stuff... unless you "knew" well... you would never know.
I dont get how one would be suspended for this. Dont most artists do nudes...?
I can only see... well if he were using students butts.. but other than that... who cares?
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Christine 12-13-2006 @ 3:53PM
http://slingshot.to/buttart
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L. 12-13-2006 @ 5:06PM
It`s a public school, isn`t it?
And he didn`t do anything illegal, did he?
Sounds like he`s got the full force of the law BEHIND him!
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Meredith 12-13-2006 @ 5:37PM
This is my old high school. I am so damn proud.
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Heather 12-13-2006 @ 11:38PM
I hope this gets fixed and he get's his job back then they can put it all " behind" them.
Sorry couldn't resist. lol butt art, they should be happy that is the only concern they have with thier teachers.
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anonny 12-14-2006 @ 7:51AM
I don't think the school should BUTT in to his personal life.
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Luna 12-14-2006 @ 8:39AM
I went to look at the site and all I saw was a bunch of red "X" s. It doesn't seem this teacher is doing anything that is illegal or harmful. Who knows what this school is thinking
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