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Jacob Lawrence 
4316 37th Avenue, N.E. 
Seattle, Washington 98105

September 25th 1973

Mr. James E. Mayo
Exhibits Specialist
The Anacostia Neighborhood Museums 
Smithsonian Institution 
2405 Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, S.E.
Washington, D.C. 20020

Dear Mr. Mayo:

Please find below my statement on the Barnett-Aden Gallery which you requested for a catalog that is being published on the Barnett-Aden Collection. 

I wish both the exhibition and the catalog great success. 

Sincerely yours, 

Jacob Lawrence 

cc. Mr. Adolphus Ealey, Director the Barnett Aden Gallery

Statement on the Barnette-Aden Gallery:

As a member of the art community, I welcome this opportunity to offer these few comments in appreciation of the Barnett-Aden Gallery. 
In establishing, building, and maintaining this Gallery and its Collection, Mr. James V. Herring and Mr. Alonzo Aden made a contribution to the art community in particular, and to the cultural community in general. Their encouragement and sponsorship of the many artists who came to their attention will always be appreciated, not only by those artists, but also by those persons who maintain and foster an interest in the development of the plastic and graphic arts. I know that this Collection will continue to grow and will always be an inspiration for those who are fortunate enough to come in contact with its various works. 

The Barnett-Aden Gallery was the inspiration for the establishment of many other galleries and / or museums whose founders felt the need for institutions which would, through their collections, bring greater public exposure to the many talented painters, sculp-
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