Civil Liberties

But the painter of the Johnson piece – artist Joel Gibbs – was baffled by the criticism, and pointed out that both sides of the aisle had “every opportunity” to submit their own work.

“If they want to do a pro-gun piece of artwork, they want to do an anti-abortion piece of artwork. By all means, they might make something very effective. Might change somebody’s mind,” Gibbs told WJHL.

“It might really strike somebody rather than just complain, get out there and make the art, get your point across. That’s what America is about, an exchange of ideas,” he added.