Holley, Lonnie, 1991 - 1993

The Richard Gasperi Papers primarily comprises research files on artists that Gasperi collected, studied, featured in exhibitions, and engaged with on a personal level throughout his career. These files include newspaper clippings, excerpts of scholarly articles and publications, photographs, art inventories, and exhibition advertisements. Gasperi used these sources to write his own artist biographies, which can also be found in the collection. Some artist files contain correspondence, mainly between Gasperi and the artist, their family, or business representative. Most correspondence is professional in nature, addressing issues like payment for art works. Other letters are more personal, showcasing the relationships Gasperi developed with artists. While there are over sixty artists represented in this collection, Gasperi’s research files on Howard Finster, David Butler and Clementine Hunter are particularly comprehensive.

In addition to files about artists, there is a small amount of material related to specific exhibitions and art fairs Gasperi organized or participated in throughout his career.