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THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA TUCSON

OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT  

[[note]] D. Smith [[/note]]

April 20, 1960

Dear Mr. Smith:

This will confirm the message to you by Western Union last night in which I advised that the steel sculpture "17-H" arrived, and we find it to be very magnificent. We are proud of this acquisition for our art collection.

Because of the wisdom and foresight of Mr. Edward J. Gallagher, Jr., the University of Arizona is providing a rich art collection which is greatly appreciated by the people of Arizona. His vision, enthusiasm, and splendid judgment have provided a great inspiration to me and to my colleagues at the University of Arizona with the result that we have, I am sure, the most outstanding art education program of any state university in the United States. It is a rare privilege to have the acquaintance and to enjoy the association with Mr. Gallagher.

Our art program is not limited to the campus of the University. It extends throughout the State of Arizona and to much of the State of Sonora in northern Mexico, and we have had some exhibitions in the State of California. Because of the program of the University of Arizona, there has developed a great intensification of interest in art. I know that you will be interested in these facts because they indicate the extent of the interest in Arizona, and this interest will extend to the sculpture items that are being purchased and placed here by Mr. Gallagher. 

Your own steel sculpture, "17-H", as it is, without any change, is magnificent, and under no circumstances would we wish to have it painted as was suggested. Here in the Southwest it would lose much of its effect in the climate and the atmosphere which is so ideal for the sculpture in its present form and

SEVENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF FOUDNING