backstory: Curious and Literal

Recently, Center Director Patricia Amanna and her wonderful teachers brought their four-year-olds over to look at our Richard Pettibone exhibition (which you should come see if you haven’t already).  On the way, one boy asked Pat if the museum had any Jackson Pollocks (remember, they’re four-year-olds!).  Pat said that the Museum had one but she wasn’t sure if it was on view.  Upon arrival, the rest of the class went up to see the Pettibones, while Pat guided the young boy into the collection galleries where, yes, the Pollock was on view.  He recognized it immediately. One of our educators, Kristen Lindberg, said, “You know, he painted that on the floor.”  The child looked at her, then looked down, looked back up, and said, “Right here, right on this floor?” Curious and literal.  And sweet.

Tracy Fitzpatrick
Director, Neuberger Museum of Art