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Paint by number (or painting by numbers) are kits, popularized in the 1950s, by Max Klein and the Palmer Paint Company, among others. Included in the kits is a number board or canvas with corresponding paints to be filled in. Dan Robbins who worked for Klein as an artist is often incorrectly credited with inventing the genre, which predates his 1951 involvement. Michelangelo has been credited by some with the original idea by assigning colors to various areas of the Sistine Chapel for assistants to fill in over some 500 years ago.^{[citation needed]}

In 1992, Michael O'Donoghue and Trey Speegle organized and mounted a show of O'Donoghue's paint by number collection In New York City at the Bridgewater/ Lustberg Gallery. After O'Donoghue's passing in 1994 the Smithsonian Institute, The National Museum of American History exhibited many key pieces from O'Donoghue's collection, now owned by Speegle, along with other collectors’ works in 2001. Since then, the vintage kits and paintings have experienced resurgence through yard sales and eBay auctions. 

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For more historical information about Paint by Numbers and a past art exhibit go to  http://americanhistory.si.edu/paint/