HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/02/2015 - City Arts Commission - 04 Staff Report Diane and Gene Crain Donation of Brandt ArtRECOMMENDATION:
The Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee recommends that the Newport Beach City Arts Commission
approve the acceptance of a donation of art from Gene and Diane Crain.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS:
Exhibiting the pieces in the Central Library will require secure hanging hardware, and a commemorative
plaque. The donor has also requested that the pieces be professionally photographed. Account No.
4002-8080 – Professional and Technical Services, can fund these services.
DISCUSSION:
Gene Crain is a local attorney and art aficionado. As a result of his deep interest in California Scene
Painting and his close friendships with artists of the California School, Mr. Crain has amassed a
remarkable collection, focusing on watercolors of the Southern California landscape. The collection
includes the works of Rex Brandt, Joan Irving Brandt, George James, Phil Dike, and Millard Sheets.
Mr. Crain and his wife, Diane Dixon Crain, with the assistance of Commissioner Greer, have offered to
donate two watercolors from their collection to the City of Newport Beach, Northwest Gale Newport
Jetty by Rex Brandt, and Pirate’s Cove From High by Joan Irving Brandt (see attachments A and B). Mr.
Crain agrees to all the conditions listed in Council Policy I-11, Donation of Art to the City of Newport
Beach. Mr. Crain requests that the paintings be displayed publically in the Central Library. He also asks
that a commemorative plaque include a statement of recognition for Rex and Joan’s daughter and son-
in-law, Joan Brandt Scarboro and Clark Scarboro. Finally, Mr. Crain requests that the paintings be
photographed. The photographs and letters of acceptance from the City should be mailed to the Crains
and the Scarboros to the addresses provided by Chair Greer.
Placement of the watercolors in the Central Library is subject to the approval of the Board of Library
Trustees. Acceptance of the paintings into the City Art inventory is subject to City Council approval.
NOTICING:
This agenda item has been noticed according to the Brown Act (72 hours in advance of the meeting at
which the City Arts Commission considers the item).
TO: CITY ARTS COMMISSION
FROM: City Arts Commission
Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
949-717-3810, thetherton@newportbeachca.gov
PREPARED BY: Commissioner Arlene Greer, Chair, Fine Arts Ad Hoc Subcommittee
Tim Hetherton, Library Services Director
TITLE: Acceptance of Art Donated from Gene and Diane Dixon Crain in Honor of Joan
Brandt Scarboro and Clark Scarboro.