Trust deal sought on 'Afghans'

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NORTH ATTLEBORO - Selectmen say they hope to work out a trust agreement that would spell out how any proceeds from the sale of the "Afghans" painting would be used before taking a vote on whether to sell the masterpiece.

Selectman Mark Williamson initially moved to sell the painting if an agreement on trust provisions could be reached with the school committee and donor family, but he changed the motion this week to focus on the creation of a trust agreement.

"The motion is a strategy to break the stalemate between this board and the school committee," he explained.

The school committee and selectmen have been at odds over whether to sell the Alexandre Iacovleff painting, which was once estimated to be worth more than $1 million.

The hope is that if a trust agreement can be worked out with all parties in agreement, then there may be more support for selling the painting. Negotiations have been tentatively scheduled to start March 12 if all parties can attend. "If we work out an agreement to establish the trust fund, then the sale of the painting could follow," Selectmen Chairman John Rhyno said.

Previous suggestions have included placing any proceeds from the sale of the painting in a trust fund to support an arts programs.

While the board did not vote on whether to sell the painting, Selectman Paul Belham said he was prepared to do so - a departure from his previous stance.

However, Belham said he still believes the painting should not be sold, but a vote to sell it would take the issue out of the town's hands because the attorney general's office has said it would intervene to stop the sale.

"It's an absolute disgrace. It's a disgrace to the donor's family and a disgrace to the town," he said of the controversy. "I would vote to sell the painting. We need someone to arbitrate this.

"A judge is not going to go against the decision made by the attorney general's office, and I'm willing to stake the painting on it."

Selectman Dale Langille said he supported working toward a trust agreement, however, he is not prepared to sell the painting.

"Knowing this was on the table, I talked to about a dozen people today. They all said don't sell the painting - a gift is a gift," he said.

 

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