ART

Burning Billboard: A controversial billboard of the American flag burned by a cigarette is up on Vine Street in Hollywood today. And artist Charles Sherman’s four-month battle to get his “Who’s Burning America?” message to the public has ended. Sherman originally had a deal with the 3M National Advertising Co. to erect his billboard, but the company backed out saying the artwork might be distasteful. Sherman found another billboard company, Palms Springs-based Robert’s Outdoor Advertising, to put up the piece. Sherman said that his piece scrutinizes Sen. Jesse Helms (R-N.C.), the senator’s anti-obscenity stance and the tobacco industry.