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Assorted artist files

 File

Scope and Contents

From the Collection:

The Richard Gasperi Papers primarily comprises research files on artists that Gasperi collected, studied, featured in exhibitions, and engaged with on a personal level throughout his career. These files include newspaper clippings, excerpts of scholarly articles and publications, photographs, art inventories, and exhibition advertisements. Gasperi used these sources to write his own artist biographies, which can also be found in the collection. Some artist files contain correspondence, mainly between Gasperi and the artist, their family, or business representative. Most correspondence is professional in nature, addressing issues like payment for art works. Other letters are more personal, showcasing the relationships Gasperi developed with artists. While there are over sixty artists represented in this collection, Gasperi’s research files on Howard Finster, David Butler and Clementine Hunter are particularly comprehensive.

In addition to files about artists, there is a small amount of material related to specific exhibitions and art fairs Gasperi organized or participated in throughout his career.

Dates

  • The materials in this collection date from 1957-2007, however the bulk of them were created in the 1980s and 1990s. Each file in this collection contains some amount of undated material.

Conditions Governing Access

The collection is open for research. Access to sensitive materials may be restricted at the discretion of AFAM.

Extent

From the Collection: 6.25 linear feet (12 standard legal document boxes; 1 half-size legal document box)

Language of Materials

From the Collection: English

Repository Details

Part of the American Folk Art Museum Archives Repository

Contact:
47-29 32nd Place
Long Island City New York 11101 United States
(212) 595-9533