Ms. Price said financing for the $30 million effort seems possible, at least in increments.

Ms. Price moved into the house in June 1992 - and found that she had no time for painting.

Ms. Price said one goal was to increase the number of female dealers.

Ms. Price, for one, has discussed other approaches with her chef.

Ms. Price grew up singing in front of large church groups and conventions, but she planned to become a lawyer.

Ms. Price said she has a "mandate to be an advocate for consumers."

Ms. Price will head a department that was the result of political compromise.

Ms. Price, who used her mother's maiden name, was pronounced dead at a hospital early today.

At the same time, Ms. Price was planning to leave her apartment.

Ms. Price, who has been at the museum since 1975, could recall no similar or even serious threat to that contribution - until now.