Joan Mitchell’s large abstract painting “Close” has been a popular and important work in the museum’s collection for decades. Often on view in the permanent collection galleries, it has inspired generations of visitors with its visible brushstrokes, drips and layers of color. But all works of art age, and sometimes they need the care of a conservator, a specialist who can preserve or restore them. Conservation usually happens in a lab, but this fall, the museum is conserving “Close” in full view of the public.

Conservation work is supported by a generous grant from the Joan Mitchell Foundation, but this unique educational project, which allows museum visitors to watch conservator Larry Shutts at work as he conserves “Close,” is made possible by visitors like you.