"People are hungry for leadership," said Kent Barwick, president of the Municipal Arts Society.

Toni McMahon, the president of the Arts Council, didn't see the artworks but says they involved "cult activity."

Geller became the first president of the American Jewish Arts Club following its formation in Chicago in 1940.

"It's a tough pill to swallow," said Brendan Sexton, the new president of the Municipal Arts Society.

In one workshop, Lawrence Goldman, president of the Performing Arts Center, said that in the past, growth of the arts and culture followed economic development.

"This is a project that overreached," said Kent Barwick, president of the Municipal Arts Society.

Owner and president of the Arts Center of artistic production of television and theater.

"Obviously we're disappointed," said Chris Ludwig, president of the Arts Council board.

In 1965 she was elected president of the Municipal Arts Society and remained a member of its board of directors until her death.

Joan Israelite, president of the Arts Council, said its creation was part of a great expansion of arts and cultural activity.