Art museum delays decision on accepting Rockwell paintings

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – An art museum board in Ohio that was offered $130 million worth of Norman Rockwell paintings from Boy Scouts of America has voted to wait a year before deciding whether to accept the works because of a recent report detailing the scouting organization’s problems involving child sex abuse allegations.

The Warren Tribune-Chronicle reports the recent decision by trustees for the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown was prompted partly by fear of a community backlash over the Boy Scouts’ problems.

Butler Executive Director Louis Zona says the museum must consider whether accepting the paintings will damage the museum’s reputation in what he called a conservative-minded community.

Butler board member Ned Gold has worked to bring the collection from Boy Scout headquarters in Texas. He called the decision “incredibly disappointing.”

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Information from: The Tribune Chronicle, http://www.tribtoday.com