Working couple amass stupendous art collection, circulate it across the US

Marilyn sends us this, a trailer for "Megumi Sasaki's award-winning documentary about the Vogels, who used Dorothy's librarian salary for living expenses and Herb's postal clerk salary to buy art, amassing a collection of 4,000 important works. They plan to distribute 2,500 pieces of the collection, sending 50 works to each of 50 states."

Update: Aurelie sez, "the clip you've posted on the Vogels is misattributed: it is not Sasaki's trailer, but is from the Indianapolis Museum of Art."

Herb and Dorothy Vogel (Thanks, Marilyn!)

[#1 posted by echonomist, March 3, 2009 11:58 PM]

How romantic.

[#2 posted by The Lizardman, March 4, 2009 2:21 AM]

Whatever flaws this couple may have, the world could very likely do with more people like them.

[#3 posted by urederra, March 4, 2009 3:27 AM]

ZOMG.... the Vogons.

Luckily, they don't write poetry.

[#4 posted by pinehead, March 4, 2009 6:38 AM]

I've heard their names before. It's a wonderful story. They aren't pretentious or silly, as a lot of hangers-on in the art community are. They just genuinely love art and have made it a big part of their lives.

[#5 posted by reginald, March 4, 2009 6:42 AM]

hear hear

[#6 posted by NidSquid, March 4, 2009 7:47 AM]

This is truly a wonderful thing.

[#7 posted by greensteam, March 4, 2009 11:36 AM]

A lady librarian at the university where I work has done something similar only she donates the artworks to the university and we get to have them in our offices. I am about to get my first one any day now. She has donated hundreds of artworks.

[#8 posted by Matthew Sanborn Smith, March 4, 2009 11:49 AM]

I saw a story on these people years ago on 60 minutes. It's incredible what people can accomplish with average means.

[#9 posted by TharkLord, March 4, 2009 11:49 AM]

Feed an artist. Buy their art.

Buying art from local artists is so much fun. You get cool stuff that is special and unique. And you get to encourage bright, creative people to follow their dreams.

Going to small galleries, art student shows, non-profit auctions, and open studio tours are all ways to get great art and give yourself a wonderful life.

And no matter where you live, a strong arts community will make it a better place.

A case in point:
http://www.metroactive.com/metro/01.11.06/alleys-0602.html

[#10 posted by Austinmodern, March 4, 2009 1:19 PM]

Proves the notion that, buying the best you can afford is the best way to end up with quality, even in small doses.. What an awesome story!

Support the arts!

[#11 posted by Miss Jess, March 5, 2009 6:23 AM]

I read about this exhibition in the Indy paper a few months ago - I need to get to the IMA to see this!