Page 6 - Anthony Christian Book

Introduction by Ronald K. Parker, Ph.D.

Collecting art has always played an important part in my life. I am constantly amazed
at the range of creativity, ingenuity and talent displayed by the best artists
throughout history. The technical skills, the unexpected breakthroughs and the
transformation of the ordinary to the extraordinary keep me fixated on learning more
each day about art. My wife, Yvonne, frequently says that "art is our passion 24/7."

My reasons for collecting have not changed over time. They are the excitement of
discovery, aesthetic joy, intellectual stimulation, financial rewards and the pleasure of
sharing art with others. I devote an enormous amount of time searching for artists
that meet my criteria for excellence. This quest has taken me to Europe, Russia, Asia,
Africa and across the United States. When I find an artist that I believe is 'best-in-
class', I buy that artist in depth.

In 1990, while attending Art Basel in Switzerland, I met my wife, Yvonne.
She is an artist and gallerist who comes from a family of artists. Yvonne is the
President of PaPA (Parker and Parker Art) and is responsible for all operational
matters, including curating exhibitions and public relations. Yvonne is as passionate
about collecting as I am.

The Parker Collection is composed of approximately 900 paintings, 1,400 drawings,
700 limited editions and 300 sculptures covering mainly the period of 1957 to the
present. It is housed in a 33,000 sq ft old silk mill called PaPA.
"You've been to MoMA, now come to PaPA." PaPA is designed as a cultural center
with art galleries and spaces for music/dance/theatre performances.