Museum that sold Rockwell pieces eyes sale of more artwork

PITTSFIELD, Mass. – A struggling Massachusetts museum that previously sold two Norman Rockwell paintings says it will sell off nine more works of art to close a budget deficit.

The Berkshire Eagle reports that seven of the works will be sold in private transactions in the coming months and two at a September auction at Sotheby’s in New York.

The Pittsfield museum’s decision to sell 40 works in all — including the Rockwell paintings — has drawn widespread condemnation and sparked legal challenges.

The museum says the previous sales netted $47 million of the $55 million it hopes to raise under an agreement reached with Massachusetts’ attorney general.

The citizens group Save the Art-Save the Museum says the additional works being sold make up the most important art still remaining at the museum.

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Information from: The Berkshire (Mass.) Eagle, http://www.berkshireeagle.com