Museum world begins to weigh in against UI regents

Dan Monroe: "The proposal by a University of Iowa Regent, Michael Gartner, to sell an iconic Jackson Pollock painting, Mural, to help fund University operations warrants strong opposition on the part of the art community and the people of Iowa. Works of art in university art museum collections are not redeemable bank notes to be traded or sold to support University operations. Works of art in university art museum collections exist to support a university's educational mission and to benefit the broader public such art museums serve. The University of Iowa has build a strong, international position through its arts programs. The University represents and serves all Iowans and it serves as a steward for all Americans in caring for and presenting its art collections. The administration and Regents of the University of Iowa should quickly dispense with this incredibly ill-conceived proposal."