Closing opens a new chapter

Art Business News, Sept, 2005

NEW YORK -- After nearly 20 years of business, the Keith Haring Foundation, Inc., this month will close the Pop Shop, which housed floor-to-ceiling murals, as well as T-shirts, hats and accessories that bore the well-known imagery of artist Keith Haring. Viewing the Pop Shop as an extension of his work, Haring said, "I wanted to continue the same sort of communication as with the subway drawings. I wanted to attract the same wide range of people and I wanted it to be a place where, yes, not only collectors could come, but also kids from the Bronx."

Following Haring's death from AIDS-related complications in 1990, the Keith Haring Foundation, Inc., founded by the artist himself in 1989, continued the Pop Shop mission of reaching a broad audience through the sales of Haring's apparel. However, in an attempt to minimize the overwhelming expenses associated with operating costs, the foundation had to close the shop, but strives to meet Haring's mission through an ongoing international exhibition program. The next appearances include La Triennale di Milano this month and the Reading Public Museum in February 2006.

The Pop Shop and the Keith Haring Foundation, Inc., wish to express their deepest gratitude to all past and present customers. For more information, visit www.haring.com, www.haringkids.com.