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4.

In response to numerous requests from abroad and Latin America for exhibitions of paintings of the "modern school", the government assembled a collection in 1946. Every artist and dealer involved cooperated to their fullest to make the collection of high caliber. The response was enthusiastic when a selection of paintings was shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. However, the paintings were recalled. When the War Assets Administration offered them for sale by sealed bids in 1948, the Whitney gave them the proper presentation they deserved. All the work was shown with the same consideration and dignity given a Museum exhibition. 

As I mentioned at the beginning, the emergence of contemporary art, as we know it today, is of fairly recent date. I have not gone into the various ingredients of the period, that made this possible, such as the recognition given by other museums to our work, as well as by individual collectors and galleries, the great number of traveling exhibitions and art publications, not to forget the artist's contribution, all of which generally helped to improve conditions.

We have by no means reached the peak of our development. But we have blossomed out in all directions and I think it is time for inventory, so as to channel our energies more effectively. We are still in the educational stage trying to find an affinity with out audience. The professional artist, by teaching and lecturing in schools, colleges and universities bring practical knowledge into the field. The museum, critic, collector and dealer are active collaborators in widening appreciation