The Anderson Gift

I just read this article about the Anderson family and their generous donation of pieces from their collection to Stanford University. Harry and Mary Margaret Anderson and their daughter Mary Patricia Anderson Pence, who live in Atherton, have been collecting 20th century art for over 50 years and plan on donating 121 works by 86 artists. The "Anderson Gallery" is to be constructed and opened in 2014 for students and Bay Area dwellers to visit. Artists represented in this great donation include: Robert Motherwell, Mark Rothko,  Helen Frankenthaler and Jackson Pollock. 

Lucifer

Jackson Pollock

1947

Oil, enamel, and aluminum paint on canvas

Although they have loaned their pieces out for special exhibitions, this is the first time the Andwersons have made such a donation, and feel that Stanford University, practically their backyard, will be greatly benefited by the contribution. I think it is wonderful when private collectors give to academic institutions. As a former art history student myself, having the art there on campus is great as it allows students to appreciate and study the works in a familiar setting and for up close and personal instruction that isn't always plausible when visiting works in a museum.