. . . the creative impulses that stimulated the development of new approaches and critical methods or encouraged the exploration of once "peripheral" fields may have tended to marginalize the established traditions of art historical practice in America. Unfortunately, the effectiveness of that practice has been further compromised by strong criticism of traditional iconography's ability to interpret works of art. For members of the "other" consituencies the Bulletin may be likened to a squeaking wheel, slowly carrying a heavy load of old attitudes and practices farther and farther away from its most productive art historians.  This cannot be allowed to happen! The Art Bulletin seeks once more to establish itself fully as a forum for current thought, thereby reconciling the old and new methodologies and helping to develop a critical language that will be accessible--and interesting--to a wide range of readers. By balancing the load and shortening the distance between the rapidly moving rim and the slowly turning axle, that squeak can be eliminated, but the art-historical community has to supply the grease.

During my editorship, each issue of The Art Bulletin will offer an editorial on a topic of importance to the profession. Your response is most welcome, and in some cases letters to the editor will be published.