According to Pastor Paul Nolting, the artwork at the Valentine Public Library has been removed. The art, produced by death row inmate Raymond Mata was to be featured during the month of March, sponsored by the members of the Grace Lutheran Church in Valentine.
Nolting told KVSH news that the Valentine Public Library had received multiple calls and other communication from folks around Valentine with concerns over the artwork of a convicted killer being on display.
Nolting also stressed that the intent of the display was to highlight a story of redemption, and not to honor violence or those who commit such crimes. The pastor also stressed that they did not intend to create any discord or controversy, and removed the art as soon as he heard about the concerns that had been raised.
Pastor Nolting will be our guest on the KVSH Comment program this Thursday at 10:30 to discuss the issue.
As we reported earlier, Raymond Mata was convicted of the murder of a child in 2000 and given the death penalty for the gruesome circumstances in the killing. Mata reportedly became a Christian while incarcerated and has sent his chalk-based artwork to the church in Valentine. He receives no reimbursement for the art.