Message from Mr. Persoff:

“I've been exposed to painting and painters since my childhood, my father was a silversmith and a painter, artists often visited our home, and I was witness to their heated discussions of their art. In my teens I often visited my cousin, who was a fine artist and had a studio in the Janice building on Union Square South, as did the Soyer brothers, Leon Kroll, Jackson Pollack and others. I was attracted to the world of art, painted a little, but seeing these fine artists struggle for a livelihood (this was in 1936), I never dared to consider making that my profession; instead I went into acting. I don't know why I felt acting was more secure than painting, but that's another matter. When I retired from acting I felt a great urge to paint again and I did. I hope you enjoy your visit.”