Created during Close's time as a student at the University of Washington during the 1950s under instruction of Alden Mason.

"Alden Mason was my teacher, my mentor, and my friend. He has probably had more impact on my work and my career than any other person. I wouldn’t be who I am today—or as successful—if it weren’t for Alden. I consider him to be the greatest painter to come out of the Pacific Northwest—for me, even greater than Mark Tobey or Morris Graves. I studied with him from 1960–62. He was encouraging, inspiring, and often tough on me—probably when I needed it. I visited him often after I left for Yale and for the rest of his life whenever I was in Seattle, and he visited me several times in New York. Luckily, we talked a week before he died and I was able to tell him about the impact he had on me, my life, and my work, and that I loved him like a father."

-Chuck Close

Remembrance from the 2013 exhibition Alden Mason: In Memoriam 1919–2013, at the Wright Space, Seattle

Proceeds from the sales of the student artworks will benefit the Alden Mason Foundation and help to establish a scholarship in Mason’s name through the School of Art at the University of Washington.

A Teacher's Legacy 2021 Statement

Learn more about Alden Mason and view his work here.

Chuck Close

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