Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, December 11, 1945

Dec. 11 (Tues.)

Two letters from F.R. [Frank Rehn] one containing a check, the other a letter about the forthcoming exhibition of my recent work (Jan. 7-). He explained his hesitancy about showing them (the unfavorable reactions of the press & certain museum people to the “Mid-June” which Frank considers in his words “one of my greatest pictures”). It caused him to feel the need of calling in artists of mildly differing viewpoints to get their reactions on the new things. (Edward [Edward Hopper], Gene [Eugene Speicher], Gino [Peppino Mangravite], Kantor [Morris Kantor], Herman Moore, & Golden [Richard Davis]. Without exception they were all enthusiastic. He himself had had no doubts, but on account of the aforementioned reaction of the critics, wondered if he was right. He is going ahead with the show regardless of its reception.

I feel that we have a fight on our hands, and that perhaps I have taken the road that so many artists before me have taken, the road to poverty & neglect by the public. But, Frank’s letter fills one anew with the determination to go ahead with more & more of the same ideas. [i]

Charles Burchfield, Journals, December 11, 1945