Curator’s Welcome to WilliamBrice.Org
As Curator to the Brice Charitable Foundation, I wish to welcome viewers to our website. It has been an honor and an adventure to be involved in the creation of this comprehensive site about the art and life of William Brice.
I’ve worked with John Brice, William Brice’s son, as Foundation and website curator since this project’s inception and through its gestation. When I began, my overall knowledge of ‘all things Brice’ was less than dimensional; now, it is fully encompassing.
While I would have liked to have known Brice in life, regretfully I did not — we met only in passing on crowded social occasions such as art openings. Still, his elegant comportment, ease, and conviviality were obvious. Brice stood out in any room.
Now I have come to know Brice’s depth and breadth through his works of art; the photographs of his family, friends, and travels; and, through the words written by him and about him. In spending time on this site, viewers will now have that opportunity as well.
Through these vast and rich resources, I have learned Brice’s overarching story. His growth as a person and an artist is beautifully illustrated; his artistic pursuit was one and the same as his life pursuit; and, his utter commitment to both his studio and his students, particularly at UCLA, his most enduring association. I have come to know and appreciate the quality of his art, that intangible essence that cannot be falsified.
My own approach to this project is shaped by my 45-year career as an art professional. After studying art and architectural history at University of California, I went into museum work at Berkeley then New York City. Upon my return to San Francisco, I took what was to be a short detour into corporate art. It instead developed into a complete career change. At Bank of America for over 25 years, I was founding director for its art program in 1979, acquiring over 10,000 works of art for its buildings worldwide, and managing over 20,000 pieces gained through corporate mergers. Since 2003, I have worked independently as an art advisor, curator, appraiser, and specialist in collection management. My association with WilliamBrice.org has been challenging, and very rewarding.
William Brice was a fascinating man, talented artist, memorable professor, valued friend, and treasured father. All who are involved with WilliamBrice.org and the Brice Charitable Foundation are very proud of what we have created and now share with the public.
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