This is a sad day for contemporary artists.  Herbert Vogel, 1922-2012, has left the gallery for good.

Herbert & Dorothy Vogel were unsurpassed lovers of art. From the 1960’s,  this dynamic duo opened their hearts and pocketbooks to purchase little known artist’s work, such as Chuck Close and Ty Twombly, Donald Judd, Edward Ruscha, Julian Schnabel, John Baldessari and Jeff Koons. They became revered in the art world, but remained an unlikely, nondescript couple who made an invaluable contribution to art and, to the American people. Often paying for art on the payment plan Herbert and Dorothy Vogel created an unsurpassed collection that is now on view for every one to enjoy. Their story is incredible. They were true American heroes.

The Vogel Collection is now at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Read about this incredible couple from The Washington Post. http://wapo.st/Qfafyo

Their story is the stuff of movies….look for the documentary film, “Herb & Dorothy,” from Arthouse

Films,released, 2009.

Photo, Cecil Lockard. Herbert & Dorothy Vogel at the University of Michigan in 1978, from “Herb & Dorothy,” Arthouse Films, 2009.