Joan Mitchell (American, 1926 – 1992), “Close,” 1973. Oil on canvas board,110 1/4 × 142 inches. Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; University purchase. 1974.3263.
Conservation in the Galleries: Joan Mitchell’s “Close” August 9 ______________November 2, 2025 Joan Mitchell’s large abstract painting “Close” has been a popular and important work in the museum’s collection for decades.
The museum’s temporary exhibition galleries will feature a viewable, open-access conservation lab during the run of the project. Shutts will be on hand to answer questions and chat as he works to restore loose and actively flaking paint, infill comparable paint and clean the surface of “Close.” Shutts has a master’s degree in art conservation. He and his business partner Michelle Savant have worked on conservation projects for many institutions, including the High Museum of Art, the National Parks Service, the National Portrait Gallery and the White House. “Close” will return to the permanent collection galleries once its conservation is complete. When to catch Larry Shutts at work: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 11 a.m. – noon and 2 – 4 p.m., between August 12 and Sept. 4 Curator: Kathryn Hill, associate curator of modern and contemporary art
Often on view in the permanent collection galleries, it has inspired generations of visitors with its visible brushstrokes, drips and layers of color. But all works of art age, and sometimes they need the care of a conservator, a specialist who can preserve or restore them. Conservation usually happens in a lab, but this fall, the museum will conserve “Close” in full view of the public. This unique educational project/exhibition, supported by a grant from the Joan Mitchell Foundation, will allow museum visitors to watch conservator Larry Shutts at work as he touches up and cleans “Close.” Shutts will be present at specific dates and times, but visitors can visit any time during the museum’s regular hours to learn about conservation and see his progress.
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