Robbins Report

by Peter Robbins

The look on Provincetown historian George Bryant's face was devastating. His biggest fear since 1991 was realized.

Mary LeClair, you are the senior Commissioner. You were in authority when the hospital was closing and closed. While you still have the ability to use your official position as County Commissioner, don’t you think it would be nice to call some people and at least ask?When you decide to take on a cause, and you feel it’s a just one, you really do hope it turns out right.

Not so this time.

Only five of the eighteen or more paintings by well-known Provincetown artists were accounted for today when we had our private showing at the Barnstable County Commissioner's office.

County Administrator busy elsewhere 

I invited Mr. Bryant to meet with me at the commissioner's office today. Prior arrangements had been made with E. Mark Zielinski for the 2:00 p.m. viewing.  Showing up, expecting to be met by Zielinski, I quickly got an uneasy feeling in the pit of my stomach.

I was met by the secretary instead,  and directed to the commissioner's office where all 22 pieces of county art work from the Barnstable County Hospital were laid against the wall.

No Mary LeClair, no Mark Zielinski.

For an hour, the artwork was examined and photographed, but there was no one available for us to ask any questions.

I had always thought when someone was going to keep their schedule open on an arranged date and time, that meant they were going to meet you. I can see why we were not met.  Most of the artwork was by unknown artists, and some just store bought prints.

Let's do an artist's roll call:

Provincetown Historian George Bryant's face was devastating. His biggest fear since 1991 was realized. As we left the building, Mr. Bryant looked at me and said in a quiet tone, "Well, that’s it, I guess that’s it."Artwork by John Whorf...MISSING
Artwork by Richard Miller....Present
Artwork by Charles Kaseleau...MISSING
Artwork by Charles Heinz...MISSING
Artwork by Julius Katzieff...MISSING
Artwork by Coulton Waugh...MISSING
Artwork by Bruce McKain...MISSING
Artwork by Tod Lindenmuth...Present
Artwork by Vollain Rann...Present
Artwork by John Gregory...MISSING
Artwork by Dorothy Lake Gregory...MISSING
Artwork by E.B. Warren...MISSING
Artwork by Donald Witherstine...MISSING
Artwork by Philip Malicoat...MISSING
Artwork by Ross Moffet...MISSING
Artwork by Ada Raynor...Present
Artwork by Edwin Dickinson...MISSING
Artwork by Vernon Smith...Present

The missing art could be worth millions 

Missing painting may be worth $100,000-$275,000 or more
   According to the Askart art sales database, the aggregate potential value of
the 18 missing paintings could range from $100,000 to $275,000, based on
past sales of these artist's works.
Historic significance
    These paintings are historically and artistically significant because they
are a collection of works by painters who were part of the Provincetown art
colony which thrived in the early 20th century. Many were students of
Charles Hawthorne.  Their styles ranged from impressionism to modern.Bruce McKain was listed twice in the 1941 article as a contributor. I can only assume that meant he donated two pieces of art, but I guess now, we will never know. How can anyone tell this writer that nothing is missing, or that everything is accounted for!

Potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars of irreplaceable art gone!

People of Barnstable County, guess what, you have been hood-winked by the very people that are spending your hard earned tax dollars.

This is a sin, no, this is a crime and it is now being reported. Someone out there better be paying attention!

Mr. and Mrs. Cape Cod, please demand accountability!

Whose walls are these valuable, missing paintings hanging on now ? I don’t know, George Bryant doesn’t know, and perhaps our elected officials don’t know either. But it's damn well time that they find out.

This little charade has gone on long enough

Got a News Tip? Email me here.Mary LeClair, you are the senior sitting commissioner. You were in authority when the hospital was closing and closed. While you still have the ability to use your official position as County Commissioner, don’t you think it would be nice to call some people and at least ask?

If there is someone out there with the least bit of knowledge, or intestinal fortitude, to step up to the plate, and shed some light on this horrible situation please contact capecodtoday.com by email here.

As we left the building, Mr. Bryant looked at me a said in a quiet tone, "Well, that’s it, I guess that’s it." I certainly hope it isn’t. The owners of the artwork, we the taxpayers, and this dedicated man deserve much better!