Correspondence
name: label: Collection Creator
content: Karp, Ivan C., 1926-2012
label: Collection Creator
content: O.K. Harris Gallery (New York, N.Y.)
setName: label: See more items in
content: Ivan C. Karp papers and OK Harris Works of Art gallery records
physdesc: label: Extent
content: 2.4 Linear Feet (Boxes 1-2, 92)
unitdate: label: Date
content: 1960-2013
dataSource: label: Archival Repository
content: Archives of American Art
identifier: label: Identifier
content: AAA.okharr, Series 1
objectType: label: Type
content: Archival materials
arrangement: label: Arrangement
content: Additional correspondence is found among the arists' files (Series 4).
scopecontent: label: Scope and Contents
content: The personal and professional correspondence of Ivan C. Karp includes letters addressed to Ivan Karp, Marilynn Gelfman Karp, the couple, and to the gallery. Typed letters, e-mail, and handwritten items sometimes show Karp's canny sense of humor. Included are Karp's responses to detailed questions from graduate students and art professionals regarding his areas of expertise, as well as  letters of reference or support. Many letters from established members of the art world and others express gratitude to the Karps for their helpfulness and generosity. Correspondents include museums, schools, galleries, dealers, collectors, and artists.

Some items of note include a letter from Chuck Close asking for Karp's support for a fellow artist with a neurological disorder. Correspondence between Marilynn Gelfman-Pereira Karp and  Jasper Johns (signed in his absence by assistant Mark Lancaster) is about  stabilizing Savarin Coffee Can with Brushes . An e-mail from President Obama to "Ivan" thanks him for supporting the passage of the Affordable Health Care Act. Letters from Karp to Hilton Kramer and William Grimes express his opinions on issues of the day. More typical, are letters written by Karp concerning gallery business and his opinions about the value or authenticity of specific works. 

Holiday cards received by the Karps are mostly handmade. Also found are letters to art critic Andy Grundberg of The New York Times questioning why he seldom reviews exhibitions at OK Harris Works of Art; many of these letters are blind copies received by Karp.