A Letter from Governor Pete Wilson, 1997

California a Marin View, 1936, oil on canvas, 28 x 36 inches Otis first saw Marin when he made a trip to see “the land of my dreams,” in 1900. Scenery had not changed much until the Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937, but Otis knew the rush of traffic from nearby San Francisco would alter the beauty of the land. He had seen it many times before: Chicago, New York and even Taos. He hastened to depict Marin scenery in its natural glory. Otis’ lectures on conservation and his work with early preservationists as well as his art earned him fame as the “Artistic Father” of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area and Point Reyes National Seashore. His oils, “Grain Time” and “September Day” were displayed at the White House while preservation legislation was being voted upon, and later toured the country with “The White House: Treasury of Our Heritage” exhibit.

GOVENOR PETE WILSON October 8, 1997 Dear Grace: Gayle and I would like to extend our warm regards and deep appreciation for generously providing my office with your uncle’s marvelous artwork. The essayist William Hazlitt once remarked: “The humblest painter is a true scholar; and the best of scholars -- the scholar of nature.” For more than two years, the State of California has had the unique honor of being home to more than 30 works of the critically acclaimed Western Impressionist George Demont Otis. His paintings have not only adorned the walls of the California State Library and Courts Building, I have also had the privilege of hanging several of my favorite pieces in the Ronald Reagan Cabinet Room. George indeed had a natural flair for capturing the essence of the undeniable beauty and grandeur of Marin County and the Golden Gate region. No matter what medium he chose, George had the gifted ability to focus on any given subject matter and bring forth an aesthetic quality undetected by most. On behalf of the State of California, Gayle and I want to thank you for allowing us the opportunity to share in your uncle’s vision and love of the West. While we are truly sad to see these works leave our family, we are so proud to have had the chance to enjoy them Sincerely, PETE WILSON State Capitol • Sacramento, California 95814 • (916) 445-2841