Willem de Kooning (1904-1997)

Frank Chiapinni was doing volunteer work during the late 1970's and 1980's at Freeport Hospital in Long Island when he met Elaine and Willem de Kooning. They developed a true and long-lasting friendship that would see the artist through some of the most difficult times in his personal life. Along with his wife Mary, Mr. Chiapinni would visit with the de Koonings regularly and spend summers on Long Island furthering their ties and shared commitment to recovery. As a token of their friendship, de Kooning gifted Chiapinni the following works of art that remained cherished in his personal collection until his passing in 2007.