Jackson Pollock's "Mural": The Story of a Modern Masterpiece

The new documentary, "Jackson Pollock's "Mural": The Story of a Modern Masterpiece," was directed and produced by Kevin Kelley, and premiered earlier this fall in Iowa City. Pollock's largest and arguably best work, "Mural" has been owned by the University of Iowa since it was donated by Peggy Guggenheim in October 1951.

Rescued in 2008 from encroaching floodwaters along with countless other artworks from the UI's Museum of Art, the painting later underwent intensive analysis and conservation treatment beginning in 2012 courtesy of the Getty Conservation Institute. The Getty's research was published in the book, Jackson Pollock's Mural: The Transitional Moment, which serves as the basis for much in Kelley's documentary.

For further information, including details on upcoming screenings, visit the documentary's website. A previous Common Curator post may also be of interest: The Value of Jackson Pollock's "Mural".

Get a Jump on 2016 with Heirloom Seeds

The amazing 2016 Catalog from Seed Savers Exchange, featuring heirloom, untreated, non-hybrid, and non-GMO seeds, is now available online as a PDF; alternatively, a copy in print can be requested free of charge.

Founded in 1975 by Diane Ott Whealy and Kent Whealy, Seed Savers Exchange is now the largest non-governmental seed bank of its kind in the United States. With over 13,000 members, SSE conserves and maintains heirloom seeds for thousands of vegetables, fruits, herbs, and flowers. Its mission is:

. . . to save North America's diverse, but endangered, garden heritage for future generations by building a network of people committed to collecting, conserving and sharing heirloom seeds and plants, while educating people about the value of genetic and cultural diversity.

Located on the 890-acre Heritage Farm in Decorah, Iowa, SSE is open to visitors from April to October, and sponsors special events such as seed starting, grafting, and gardening workshops. It also hosts an annual conference and campout. To learn more about Seed Savers Exchange and the benefits of membership, visit its website.