Contreras art on the walls and in the news

If you’ve been on the second floor of Moulton Hall lately, you probably noticed – how could you miss it? – the dynamic, gleaming acrylic painting displayed on the landing. It’s even visible from the courtyard below, through the upstairs window.

It’s an untitled piece by Albert Contreras, a 76-year-old Santa Monica painter whose career and work were profiled in a Los Angeles Times story Wednesday, June 22. The artwork is part of Chapman University’s Phyllis and Ross Escalette Permanent Collection of Art.

Chapman’s fund for fine art acquisitions was established in 2002 with a lead gift honoring Tyler Stallings, Laguna Art Museum Curator. Longtime university supporters Ross and Phyllis Escalette and Dorothy Kennedy contributed funds last year. Ross Escalette has agreed to chair the newly formed Acquisitions Council this year and again contributed to the acquisition fund.