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 3.

Since the establishment of the Whitney Museum, 20 years ago, contemporary painting and sculpture has come more and more into evidence. If any one factor has served American art, I would say, it was the constancy in showing our painting, sculpture and the graphics. Each year a cross section of the fine arts produced in this country is presented at the Whitney. Along with artists of reputation, a point is made to include the work of younger artists and new talents. Most established artists of today have had the experience of being either a member at one time of the Whitney Studio Club, or of having their work shown in the annual or group exhibitions at the Museum.
Another commendable procedure, introduced as an annual policy by the Whitney in 1948, is the retrospective exhibition given to living and contemporary American artists. For the artist, this is one of the most rewarding things that can happen during his lifetime. There is much to be learned from surveying and re-examining one's own work. The evaluation which a retrospective provides the artist, also has the same benefits for the public, critic and museum.
There is another aspect of the Whitney, which I should like to mention, one of human relationship. Their response has always been understanding toward the artist's problems, and they have shown themselves ready to assist him on both moral and aesthetic principles. When gallery space was needed to raise funds, they graciously consented to the use of the Museum. The initiative and participation of the Directors, specifically in the Conference, "Artist and the Museum", sponsored by Artists Equity Association and the Woodstock Art Association, made this meeting one of the most significant and eventful.