I have been reading about Gov. Mark Dayton's comments regarding the art in our government buildings ("Dayton ponders Civil War murals," Jan. 22). I have also read a lot of criticism of his comments. I'm waiting to hear about creative ideas but, in the meantime, I have an idea. I suspect that some of the Minnesota artists whose work is awarded at the Minnesota State Fair each year would agree to allow it to be displayed in the Capitol for the year following the award. I realize this would take some coordination and a bit of risk; perhaps a waiver would need to be signed. Those are mere details. The artists are us; the art is homegrown. It would be a nice way to showcase the talents of our citizens.

LAURA THOMAS, Minneapolis