The collection includes original drawings, sculptures, collages and photographs capturing the versatility, longevity and international scope of the duo's extensive career.

"What is now the largest collection of art by Christo and Jeanne-Claude in the United States was started by Tom Golden in the summer of 1974," said gallery staffer Jim Sweeters. "Drawings and collages of the large-scale public works, sold to fund the actual installations, are an important component of this collection."

As partners for more than 40 years, Christo and Jeanne-Claude have created lasting environmental installation art throughout the world. Their works include the wrapping of the Reichstag in Berlin and the Pont Neuf bridge in Paris, the 24-mile long curtain titled "Running Fence" in California, and most recently "The Gates" in New York City's Central Park.

Because their large-scale public projects are temporary, these preliminary artworks remain as evidence of these installations.

The circulating exhibition is presented by Sonoma County Museum, which received the collection in 2001 as a donation by Tom Golden, a close friend of the artists.

This collection represents not only the special relationship between an artist and a collector, but also the collaborative effort between the artists and the many people involved in producing the works," Sweeters said.

Golden's personal and professional relationship with the artists began during the 1974 public hearings for Christo and Jeanne-Claude's project "Running Fence." Golden continued to manage and assist with several of the artist's large-scale projects such as "The Umbrellas" and "Over the River."

A color catalog of the exhibition is available for purchase in the art gallery store.

Gallery hours are noon-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-p.m. Thursdays.

Admission is free and open to the public. Parking is $5 in student lot E6, located on the north side of campus off Halsted Street.

For more information, call 818-677-2156.