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Although the painting has been forensically authenticated and valued at $50 million, prior attempts at visual authentication at auction houses failed. It was this negative experience with U.S.-based auctioneers that caused Teri Horton, who originally purchased the work as a joke, to offer it in Canada. “I've been through this with the U.S.A. market, and they turn their back on forensic science and they won't take a stand for the painting,” she said.

Since the successful forensic authentication, Horton has refused requests from American buyers that she considers unreasonable, though she would not reject a higher bid from an American buyer over a foreign one. “I'm not that stupid…but I would much prefer that another country have it.”

Gallerist Michelle Delisle was brainstorming ideas for publicizing her six-month-old gallery when she decided to approach Horton in late September “as a shot in the dark.” A few weeks later, Delisle flew Horton to Toronto to see the gallery and discuss terms. A contract was signed on Oct. 17.

“It's been a whirlwind,” said Delisle.

According to Horton, the money from the sale will go toward a trip to Ireland and the purchase of a new car, her first. She does not plan to move out of her California mobile home but will help out families, including those of two of her sons, who have lost their homes because of the mortgage crisis.

Although the Pollock could provide her and her family with an unexpected windfall, Horton is not a fan of the art.

“Do I personally think it's worth [$50 million]? Hell no. It's worth the $5 I gave for it. It's ugly.”