As the sun colors flowers, so does art color life.

 

– Sir John Lubbock

 

 

Yesterday, May 4th, 2015, marked the fifth anniversary of the dedication of the Escalette Permanent Collection of Art, as well as Phyllis and H. Ross Escalette Plaza, on Chapman University’s campus.

On that day in 2010, the event was truly a reflection of Chapman University’s commitment to making its campus art collection not only an invaluable resource for Chapman students, but also to establishing itself as a world-class destination for modern and contemporary art in southern California. None of that would have been possible without the incredible generosity of Ross and Phyllis Escalette.

The Escalettes’ relationship with Chapman University began when Ross joined Chapman’s Board of Governors in the 1990s and served as chairman for two terms. During that time, the Escalettes became interested in the Chapman Art Collection, especially after meeting the collection’s longtime curator, Maggi Owens, who recently retired in 2013. Their vision has greatly benefited Chapman in the five years since the collection’s dedication, and will continue to do so for generations to come.

 

three people standing in front of a painting


Artist Jason Adkins posing with Ross and Phyllis Escalette, in front of Adkins’ painting Sinister Minister, featured at the dedication of the Escalette Plaza and Permanent Collection of Art on May 4th, 2010.

 

group of people on a wall that says escalette plaza


Ross and Phyllis Escalette posing with their children and grandchildren at the Escalette Plaza, which was dedicated on May 4th, 2010.

 

A plaque can be found on Phyllis and H. Ross Escalette Plaza, reminding students and our campus community of this occasion and the collection’s mission:

The Escalette Collection at Chapman University seeks to enrich the cultural vitality of our campus and community and to inspire innovation and inquiry in students of every discipline by promoting the discovery, contemplation and enjoyment of art.

 

To celebrate this exciting milestone, Escalette Collection staff is working with Chapman’s Guggenheim Gallery to organize a 5th Anniversary Escalette exhibition that will open in the coming months.  Stay tuned for more information about this exhibition as well as other events celebrating our wonderful art collection!

For more information about the Escalette Permanent Collection of Art,
here is a link to our website.

 

Header Image (from left to right): H. Ross Escalette, Maggi Owens,  and Phyllis Escalette at the dedication.

 

All text and images under copyright. Please contact collections@chapman.edu for permission to use. Information subject to change upon further research.