Ted Loos is reporting for The New York Times about the ongoing dispute between the village of Kinderhook and the School, a branch of Jack Shainman Gallery. At issue: the black vinyl letters in the artwork “Truth Be Told.” They measure 21 feet high and stretch roughly 160 feet across the facade of the gallery, the former Martin Van Buren Public School on Broad Street, in the village. Artist Nick Cave created the work, intending to inspire a conversation about racial justice and policing in the wake of the killing of George Floyd by Minneapolis police officers in May. But so far, the debate around “Truth Be Told” has been about whether the text-based work is technically a sign or not. The village of Kinderhook argues it is a sign in violation of local code, and wants it removed. Shainman and his attorney, William J. Better, say it is an artwork and is legal under the special use permit the gallery was granted in 2014, when it opened. Shainman has until December 5, to appeal the decision, which he intends to do. Kinderhook Mayor, Dale R. Leiser said, “The village’s position is that we’re going by our code, and New York State code.” Leiser added that Shainman “didn’t have a permit. He got a use permit for banners, and this is totally different.” A secondary concern was the vinyl material that make up the letters and “whether it’s flammable or not,” the mayor said. “We are concerned it’s covering windows and doors.” Shainman submitted a proposal to the village in August. Permission was not granted and attempts to resolve the conflict failed, but Shainman authorized his crew to install "Truth Be Told," regardless. The gallery is now liable for a fine of $200 each day the work remains in place. Shainman intends to keep “Truth Be Told” on view through January 31. Read the full story in The New York Times.