GREEN

YOUR

SPRING

Above: Morris Shapiro sits in front of Le Marriage by Marc Chagall, a wedding gift Shapiro and his wife, MaryAnn, gave to each other.
"The couple stands under the chuppah and surrounding them is a visual feast of celebration — dancers, musicians, friends, family and

children," says Shapiro. "His drawing talent was one of Chagall's greatest gifts, and this work, absent of color, focuses the viewer on his

extraordinary draftsmanship."

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art is serious. Another favorite piece in his collection is a
drawing by animator Chuck Jones, dedicated to daughter
Amanda. "It was really neat to meet him," Shapiro says.
While eclectic, Shapiro says his collection reflects his
interests and his life. He's passionate about reading, writing
and music. He loves to travel to Europe and the family's
second home in Scottsdale, Ariz. He participates in jazz
jam sessions whenever possible and is currently collaborat-
ing with Amanda, a burgeoning singer-songwriter, on her
first demo recording. He enjoys spending time with his first
grandchild, Matthew.
A member of Temple Shir Shalom in West Bloomfield,
Shapiro also is passionate about his family and his faith. He
believes it "is about being appreciative of the blessings I have

in life, the sanctity of family, the observance of and passing
on of tradition," he says. "My religion also provides for me a
perspective of how short life is, how miniscule and insignifi-
cant we are, how God's creations are miraculous and infinite
and how fortunate [we are] for every day we are given. Each
day is a gift of inestimable value."
He believes others interested in collecting art should fol-
low the same philosophy, allowing art to enhance their life,
not just their wallets.
"Knowing what you like is the entrance into the art
world," he says. "People should buy art because they love it.
It should be collected for its emotional and spiritual benefits,
not its financial benefits. It's really the only way to go."