For Immediate Release

Contact: Adam Teresi 216.593.0584 ateresi@mmjh.org

Private Collection of Hungarian Art Comes to Maltz Museum

Works Collected in 9/11 aftermath by founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure; Brinker Visits Cleveland for Opening Reception

Cleveland, Ohio, July 16, 2007 " In 2001, while Ambassador to Hungary, The Honorable Nancy G. Brinker developed a passion for Hungarian art which grew into a world-class collection. The Nancy G. Brinker Collection of Hungarian Art: Works of Passion, Interludes and Progress, has its first major showing and exclusive Cleveland appearance at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, July 29 " August 19, 2007. Visit www.maltzjewishmuseum.org or call 216.593.0575 for details.

The collection spans 100 years, from just before the Austro-Hungarian Empire to the present, and the story of its collection is remarkable. Brinker was sworn in on September 6, and took her post soon after September 11, 2001. The world was in chaos, travel difficult. Unable to ship artwork from the United States, she invited some contemporary Budapest artists to display their work in the American Residence, and came to know and love the art of Hungary. "It began as an effort to honor Hungarian artists as seen through the eyes of an American," she recalls.

The collection mirrors Hungary's tumultuous past, with portraits, emotion-filled genre scenes, landscapes, abstracts and group scenes, some reminiscent of the Impressionist and Cubist movements. It features 32 pieces, including Encounter of Lovers (Rendezvous), circa 1902, by Csontvry Kosztka Tivador (1853 " 1919) " thought to be the world's most valuable Hungarian painting. Despite Hungary's stormy twentieth-century history, its artistic tradition has remained strong and consistent. Most of the early Hungarian modernists studied and exhibited in France, Germany and the U.S., but few had access to international markets, and thus few gained recognition for their contributions.

Recently, Brinker decided to tour her collection, for two reasons close to her heart: to give visibility to the artists, and to provide a creative new method of support for Susan G. Komen for the Cure, which she founded in memory of her sister, Suzy. She had particularly asked to be posted to Hungary because of the country's high rate of cancer deaths. This exhibition recognizes the 25th anniversary of the organization's signature event, the Race for the Cure, and coincides with the Cleveland premiere of a newer event, the Breast Cancer 3-Day, August 17 " 19, 2007.

"The Maltz Museum is honored to host this special collection," comments Executive Director Judi Feniger. "Cleveland was once home to the largest Hungarian population outside of Hungary itself, and the contributions of various ethnic groups form the backbone of our permanent collection, An American Story. You'll see works by and references to Hungarian and European culture throughout our galleries. And the story of how this work was collected combines a positive action after the tragedy of 9/11, how great treasures can be found in unexpected ways, and how creativity and determination are what make things happen - just the kind of themes that resonate here."

A number of activities and events are being held during the exhibition; see attached sheet for detail. An exhibition catalog and brochure will be available for sale in the Museum Store, and a self-guided mini-tour of Hungarian references and works in the Museum's permanent collection is also offered.

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage: An American Story
Opened in 2005, The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage joined an elite group of world-class institutions as a living testament to the courage, conviction and achievements of Cleveland's Jewish community. The stories of individuals and families " past and present " come to life through state-of-the-art exhibitions, interactives and films, oral histories, photographs and artifacts. The Museum includes The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery, an internationally-recognized collection of Judaica, and a special exhibition gallery featuring important exhibitions of national and international acclaim.

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is a partnership of The Maltz Family Foundation, the Jewish Community Federation's Centennial Initiative and The Temple-Tifereth Israel with research support from the Western Reserve Historical Society.

For information about hours, admission, programs, the Museum Store and special exhibitions, visit www.MaltzJewishMuseum.org or phone 216.593.0575. The Museum is located at 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, between South Woodland and Shaker Blvd. East.

The Nancy G. Brinker Collection of Hungarian Art: Works of Passion, Interludes and Progress
Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, July 29 " August 19, 2007

Related Programs and Events

Saturday, July 28- Susan G. Komen for the Cure Opening Reception, which Ambassador Brinker will attend, features cocktails, heavy hors d'oeuvres and Hungarian wine; a private viewing of the exhibition; docent-guided tours of the Museum's permanent collection, An American Story; and a special performance of Hungarian music featuring the "Pink Strings" quartet. Proceeds benefit the Northeast Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, providing outreach and screening services to women in Northeast Ohio as well as support for research through the national Komen Research Grant Program. Individual tickets are $100; tickets for the VIP reception are $250 to $1,000 and include a gallery talk with Ambassador Brinker. Call (216) 791"CURE for tickets or more information.

Sunday, July 29- The Maltz Kv Hz - Members-Only-and-Guests Preview,
9-11 am (before the Musuem opens). Enjoy the wonderful sights and sounds of the Hungarian people, savor their richly brewed coffee and sample delicious pastries. Take a mini-tour of Hungarian artifacts and stories in the permanent galleries. $10 admission (reservations recommended, RSVP by July 27 216-593- 0575); or $15 at the door (unless sold out in advance).

The kv hz ambiance continues throughout the exhibition with celebrations of Hungarian culture. All activities listed below are free with paid museum admission:
Sunday, August 5- Music with Bla Czirjak. Hungarian favorites with interpretation by George Nemeth, 2-4pm
Wednesday, August 8- Hungarian Embroidery and Costuming with Mary Temesvary, 7-8:30pm
Sunday, August 12- Herend porcelain with Mary Slosarik from Saks Fifth Avenue,
2-4pm
Wednesday, August 15- A Night of Hungarian Culture, 7-8:30pm

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