OFFBEAT SHOW OF AFFECTION; GIFTS TO RON AND NANCY ON VIEW AT REAGAN LIBRARY.Byline: Sylvia L. Oliande Daily News Staff Writer In a couple of dimly lit rooms that curators for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library The Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Center for Public Affairs and Museum are calling ``The Vault'' sit dozens of the belt buckles and some of the jelly bean-themed items the former president received during his White House years. Not to be outdone out·do tr.v. out·did , out·done , out·do·ing, out·does To do more or better than in performance or action. See Synonyms at excel. , gifts sent to Nancy Reagan - such as dresses from Imelda Marcos Imelda Trinidad Romuáldez-Marcos (born July 2, 1929 in Manila) is a former First Lady and influential political figure in the Philippines. She is known as the "Steel Butterfly" and remains a controversial figure not only in her home country, but around the world. - and to first dog Rex also are on display in a new presidential gifts exhibit in the museum's entrance hall. While most of the gifts are from heads of state and Republican supporters, curators said one is notable because of its source. A portrait of the president ``looking very pensive'' was drawn by Phoenix-based artist Steve Voita, an acknowledged liberal Democrat Liberal Democrat Noun a member or supporter of the Liberal Democrats, a British centrist political party that advocates proportional representation Liberal Democrat n (BRIT) → . ``We called him and asked him about it,'' said museum curator Jim Powers James Manley (born January 4, 1958), better known by his ring name Jim Powers is an American professional wrestler. He most notably wrestled for the World Wrestling Federation in the mid-to-late 1980's and early 1990's. . ``He said he painted the portrait to the music of (marching band Noun 1. marching band - a band that marches (as in a parade) and plays music at the same time band - instrumentalists not including string players leader John Phillip John Phillip (1817-1867) was a Victorian era painter best known for his portrayals of Spanish life. He was nicknamed "Spanish Phillip". Born into a poor family in Aberdeen in Scotland, Phillip's artistic talent was recognised at an early age. ) Sousa.'' Since he was one of the most popular modern presidents, it's little surprise that Reagan broke records in the number of gifts that flooded the White House - more than 7,500 in all. The exhibit, which opens today and runs through Oct. 25, is designed to give people an idea of how the gifts are stored in the library's basement. The displays are set upon boxes, behind fences and on racks. ``We're trying to create an exhibit that is special,'' Powers said. ``This gives people a chance to see their collection, which it is because it is the government's and they're the government.'' Because it is thought that gifts are given to the office rather than to the person, federal law regulates presidential gifts. Those given by foreign heads of state are automatically the property of the government. But others sent by citizens are appraised to determine who can keep them. Currently, Congress sets the gift limit at $240. Those worth more are the property of the people, though a president is able to buy the items. In 1981, Reagan's first year in office, the value limit was $100, and in 1989, the year following Reagan's two terms, the limit rose to $180. Although two gift displays are a permanent part of the museum display, the items in this temporary exhibit were chosen for their somewhat offbeat off·beat n. Music An unaccented beat in a measure. adj. Slang Not conforming to an ordinary type or pattern; unconventional: offbeat humor. nature. They range from the ridiculous - a pair of hand-painted sneakers sneakers Noun, pl US, Canad, Austral & NZ canvas shoes with rubber soles sneakers npl (US) → zapatos mpl de lona; zapatillas fpl adorned with a Western motif, red bandanna and spurs - to the sublime - two beautifully decorated tea sets from Mikhail and Raisa Gorbachev. There also is a portrait of Reagan made of 10,000 Jelly Belly jelly beans, and a dancing male figure sculpted sculpt v. sculpt·ed, sculpt·ing, sculpts v.tr. 1. To sculpture (an object). 2. To shape, mold, or fashion especially with artistry or precision: by actor Anthony Quinn that looks more than a little like his ``Zorba the Greek'' character. The exhibit area is at the entrance to the regular museum, so visitors have been able to glimpse the work in progress for a few weeks. Two library regulars, Stu Berggren, 80, and Ruth Fischbach, 72, squinted into the display cases and chuckled at the jelly-bean portrait during their visit Friday. ``We try to come here when there are changes made. It's very impressive,'' Berggren said. CAPTION(S): 3 Photos PHOTO (1--Color) During his presidency, Ronald Reagan received a variety of containers for jelly beans, many of which are now on display at the Reagan library and museum. (2--Color) Huseyin Kavustu, an exchange student from Turkey, examines a portrait of President Reagan composed of 10,000 jelly beans. (3--Color) Gifts to the Reagan's dog, Rex, are also included in the exhibit that continues through Oct. 25 at the Reagan library. Evan Yee/Daily News 
Linda Voita (Member): 11/1/2008 3:20 AM
As I read your article I must inform the powers that be that they need to make a correction. Artist Steve Voita is not, as described, a liberal democrat. He is a conservative Republican, and is a great admirer of Ronald Regan. Steve met the President at an awards banquet in Phoenix. He painted the portrait as a gift and as a tribute. I have seen the portrait and would hardly describe the expression as "pensive". It captures a noble and hopeful expression, one that embodies the character of the man and his belief in this great country. He was honored that his portrait was to be hung in the Presidential Library. I would very much like to know how Mr. Powers got the impression that Steve was a liberal democrat from their conversation. Thank you, Linda Voita |
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