Willem de Kooning
In 1951, Mitchell's work was exhibited in the landmark "Ninth Street Show" assembled by members of The Club, alongside that of Jackson Pollock, Willem de Kooning, and Hans Hofmann. Joan Mitchell, carried her painting across town with the help of future art dealer Leo Castelli. Her mentors, Franz Kline and Willem de Kooning thought her work was excellent and put the painting in good place in the exhibition.