Photo gallery's window smashed

A window featuring a display of photographs of transgender women was smashed early Sunday in an act of vandalism the owner of Benham Gallery believes was committed by someone offended by the photos' subject matter.

A large Seattle utility-hole cover was hurled through the window at 1216 First Ave., breaking the glass, slamming against a wall and damaging the floor when it fell.

The previous day, someone smeared feces on the window while the gallery was open, said Marita Holdaway, the gallery owner. No one noticed anyone until one of the gallery employees saw something on the glass, went out and checked and "saw it was something unpleasant," Holdaway said. Holdaway ran outside and saw a large, bearded man looking at the gallery and laughing.

When she was notified about the window being smashed, she placed a note on the plastic window covering.

"We believe our window was smashed by a person who was challenged by the content of this exhibition. The subjects of these artworks have experienced enough of this kind of cowardliness and violence. We are happy to discuss our curatorial decisions with anyone who wishes to talk with us instead of experiencing this kind of behavior."

The exhibit called "Erotic Beauty" opened March 5, featuring the work of Paul Dahlquist, David Steinberg, Fiona Aboud and Sean Newman. Also during the exhibit, which will continue until April 12, Steinberg led a discussion about his book, "Divas of San Francisco," featuring portraits of transsexual women who frequent San Francisco's Divas Nightclub and Bar.

The subjects of the photos have a difficult time living their lives, Holdaway said. "This is discouraging that someone would feel this angry."

According to Seattle police, there are no suspects and no estimate of loss.

Nancy Bartley: 206-464-8522

or nbartley@seattletimes.com