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Nonprofit organization purchases San Francisco Art Institute campus, including historic Diego Rivera mural
After experiencing financial difficulties and declaring bankruptcy about a year ago, the San Francisco Art Institute, known for its iconic Diego Rivera mural, has been sold to a new nonprofit organization headed by philanthropist Laurene Powell Jobs.
With a debt of approximately $20 million, the esteemed institute located in San Francisco’s Russian Hill neighborhood sought bankruptcy protection last April. The decision to sell the property sparked concerns about the fate of the world-renowned mural by the legendary Mexican artist Diego Rivera.
Many artists and civic leaders vehemently advocated for the preservation of the mural on the campus. In fact, San Francisco supervisors took measures to designate the mural as a local landmark in order to safeguard it from being removed.
This week, the nonprofit consortium, comprised of local arts advocates and philanthropists such as Powell Jobs, the widow of Apple’s co-founder Steve Jobs, acquired the landmark campus for approximately $30 million, as reported by the San Francisco Chronicle. The purchase also includes ownership of the invaluable mural.
During the bankruptcy proceedings, the mural was appraised at $50 million, establishing it as the institute’s most prized possession.
The nonprofit organization plans to retain the 93,000-square-foot campus as an arts institution and will commence addressing a backlog of maintenance issues, a process that could span up to four years, according to the Chronicle. The mural will be preserved in a designated viewing space.
The campus, constructed in 1926, comprises of two main buildings, a distinctive bell tower, a picturesque courtyard, a library, classrooms, and galleries. Notable alumni of the institute include acclaimed photographer Annie Leibovitz and renowned painter Kehinde Wiley.
In the early 1930s, the institute commissioned Rivera to create the mural, envisioned as a tribute to the working class. The artwork portrays engineers, artists, and sculptors, forming a breathtaking fresco that integrates seamlessly with the urban landscape. Rivera himself is depicted in the painting, situated in the background holding a brush and palette, among the vibrant scenes of creativity and labor.
News
Facing Criticism for Shooting Dog, South Dakota Governor Noem Discusses ‘Difficult Choices’
South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem found herself in hot water recently after admitting to shooting her “untrainable” hunting dog. The controversial incident sparked public outrage, but it did not stop her from attending a gathering of California Republicans, where she received a warm reception on Saturday.
Noem, known for her stance on gun rights and conservative leadership, addressed more than 200 people at the California Republican Party convention in Burlingame. She emphasized the importance of patriotism and preserving American values amidst challenging times.
Although she did not directly reference the dog-shooting incident in her speech, she alluded to the controversy surrounding her decision to euthanize her dog named Cricket due to its poor hunting skills and an unfortunate incident involving farm chickens.
Attendees at the luncheon received a copy of Noem’s book, “No Going Back: The Truth on What’s Wrong With Politics and How We Move America Forward,” which she promoted during her remarks. Despite the backlash, she remained firm in her convictions.
Noem’s focus shifted to her leadership in South Dakota, particularly her handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and her decision to deploy the state’s National Guard to the U.S.-Mexico border. She raised concerns about drug cartels exploiting Native American tribal lands in her state and criticized the federal government for its inaction.
Despite the controversy surrounding her, Noem commended former President Trump for his authenticity and unwavering commitment to his beliefs. She highlighted Trump’s unconventional approach to politics as a sign of his genuine character.
State Republican Party delegate Anna Bryson expressed admiration for Noem’s financial policies and tax reduction efforts. She acknowledged the dog-shooting incident but credited Noem for her commitment to sound fiscal management.
The convention, attended by over 800 delegates and guests, marked a significant gathering for California Republicans. Despite past protests during Trump’s appearance in Burlingame in 2016, the event with Noem proceeded smoothly with no major disruptions.
Noem’s resilience amidst adversity and her unwavering commitment to her principles garnered both admiration and scrutiny at the California Republican Party convention.
Times staff writer Anabel Sosa contributed to this report.
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Facing Criticism for Shooting Dog, South Dakota Governor Noem Discusses ‘Difficult Choices’