ART OF THE DEAL

Being an art dealer by profession, I never cease to be amazed by collectors who naively think that chasing bargains is the “smart” way to acquire fine art. As Paul Lieberman’s excellently written article points out (“No, It Isn’t a Mirage,” Sept. 20), Steve Wynn has put together a major and enviable collection indeed, and the way he did it was by employing a simple yet brilliant strategy that few collectors are bold or hip enough to embrace: Go after the best and be willing to pay for it, plain and simple.

Wynn’s collection will provide an oasis of beauty for Las Vegas, a city in need of some true aesthetic redemption. Bravo Steve Wynn!

MICHAEL KELLEY

Pasadena

Jasper Johns is not considered an Abstract Expressionist, as indicated in Lieberman’s article. And Steve Wynn will never be considered an art connoisseur until he stops touching the Van Gogh.

MARCIA FORSBERG

Rancho Santa Margarita