The Atlantic Veterinary College has apologized to its former artist-in-residence who quit after being asked to take down a painting he says was censored by the Charlottetown institution due to its political message.
In a statement, the college acknowledged that asking Christopher Griffin to choose between removing his painting, The Crossing, or leaving his residency “was a mistake.”
“The decision did not reflect our institutional values, and we regret the hurt and frustration it caused. Art plays an essential role in education and public life — it challenges us, encourages dialogue, and fosters understanding,” the statement reads.
“We fell short of our responsibility to protect that role.”
Painting received 3 complaints
Griffin, who moved to Prince Edward Island from Ottawa in 2023, became the regional college’s first-ever artist-in-residence last November.
The unpaid position gave him the opportunity to brighten up some of the UPEI-based college’s community spaces.
While animals are a recurring theme in his work, Griffin said his focus shifted starting in January when Donald Trump was …