Charles E. Burchfield, Journals, December 11, 1945

Two letters from F.R. 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 improbable reaction of the press & certain museum people to the “Mid-June” which Frank considers in his word “one of my greatest pictures”). It caused him to feel the need of calling in artists of widely differing viewpoints to get their reactions on the new things – (Edward, Gene, Gino, Kantar, Herman Moore & Golden) - without exception they were completely 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 the road that so many artists before me have taken, the road to poverty & neglect by the public. But Frank’s letter fires me anew with the determination to go ahead with more & more of the same ideas.

Charles E. Burchfield, December 11, 1945