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2.

No discussion of our recent development would be complete without including the important role of the Whitney Museum. Other institutions have contributed equally in advancing the cause of art but not as steadfastly and consistently. The Whitney has been dedicated solely to American art and from its inception shown and purchased American works.
Back in the twenties, I was just out of art school, and when only the "chosen few" could be viewed at a gallery or museum, I was taken to the Whitney Studio Club. That was the early stage, when they were down on 4th Street. All young painters were welcomed. There, sketch classes were held, and the work of the young artist exhibited.
The championing of art by the late Mrs. Gertrude Whitney, her belief in American artists, and the merit of their work, helped to lift our art out of neglect and obscurity. There were other important stirrings in the art world during those days, which sided in sustaining her objectives.
From those beginnings, the Whitney Museum grew into the prominent institution we know today. Juliana Force, who acted as Director of the Museum until her death in 1948, continued the tradition of support and encouragement. The direction and faith have not faltered, if anything grown stronger, under the leadership of its President, Mr. G. Macculoch Miller and the capable directorship of Harmon More and his Association, Lloyd Goodrich.