The Georgia O’Keeffe Museum dismissed its lawsuit this week meant to block Fisk University from selling any of its famed art collection donated by the late artist nearly 50 years ago. But with the lawsuit gone, it doesn’t mean Fisk won’t be hearing more from the Santa Fe museum, which represents O’Keeffe’s estate.
The historically black college had been locked in litigation since late 2005 over whether it could sell two of the most valuable paintings in the 101-piece Stieglitz Collection. The court already ruled the school could not sell and also rejected a settlement that would have given the museum one of the paintings and gotten Fisk the cash it needs.
The only issue left for a trial that was scheduled for next week would have been a counterclaim on the museum’s part that perhaps the school should give back the collection because they weren’t properly caring for it.
Saul Cohen, who is board chair of the O’Keeffe Museum, says there was no intent to harm Fisk or take back the collection. But, he points out that now the school is in discussions with other bidders–namely Wal-Mart heiress Alice Walton who’s opening a new museum in Bentonville, Arkansas. She wants a 50-percent stake in the entire collection and has informally offered 30-million dollars.
“They’re not free to sell to Alice Walton or anyone else. It’s kind of an unreal minuet going on out there, and I don’t understand it.”
Cohen says the court has already ruled the school can’t sell any of the paintings. He says his Nashville attorneys will watch any future negotiations to ensure the collection remains in Fisk’s possession.
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