Art Lies, Volume 23, Summer 1999 Page: 14
60 p. : ill. (some col.) ; 28 cm.View a full description of this periodical.
Extracted Text
The following text was automatically extracted from the image on this page using optical character recognition software:
A Profound
Nancy and Charles Kaffie:
Passion for Artby Elizabeth B. Reese
There is a myriad of art collectors in South Texas. Indeed,
many possess attributes indicative of a profound passion
for art. These qualities include commitments to purchase
art for personal fulfillment, to donate art or funds for art to
the community, and to share their collection with pride. In
Corpus Christi, Nancy and Charles Kaffie instinctively
embrace these values.
Though collecting became a "team effort" after they
married, the proclivity to own art originated individually.
Charles "spent all of his money" on his first purchase: a
colorful and geometrically composed Victor Vasarely.
Similarly, Nancy liquidated her "one and only stock
account" to buy a Bruno Andrade landscape.
In their home overlooking Corpus Christi Bay, a
unique collection emerges through a weaving of Nancy and
Charles Kaffie's interests and passions. This tapestry
includes spiritual and secular images and objects such as
Russian icons, an Edo tribal mask, photography, retablos,and paintings by Texas artists. These objects are meaningful
investments-but not necessarily important financially.
In fact, Charles advises that their purchases are
emotional investments. Nancy adds that the work of artmust be "something personal, something that draws you
in-private little places, you know?" I know-and so does
Austin artist Julie Speed. The Kaffie's most recent purchase
is their second painting by this rising Texas talent. The
other Speed is in the collection of the South Texas Institute
for the Arts (STIA, formerly the Art Museum of South
Texas). Of course, this is not their first gift to the STIA.
Several years ago the Kaffies reviewed slides by
Mexican painter Ivette Olivares upon the suggestion of
STIA Executive Director, William G. Otton. Nancy and
Charles subsequently bought two of Olivares' large
surreal and narrative paintings, one for the Institute and
one for themselves. A few years later they were among 10
friends who merged their monies to purchase a new work
by Bruno Andrade for the Institute-again at Otton's
request.
Donating the work by Julie Speed, however, was
different. They just did it. "Why? Oh, I do not know,"
Charles pondered, "I think I was worried about a lack of
our [the Museum's] collection. And it was political. We
wanted Austin to come to Corpus Christi. I felt like our
gift of Julie Speed's work would do more than just
donating money."
Beyond gifts for the community, Nancy and Charles
Kaffie also generously open the doors to their private
collection for special gatherings. Nancy welcomes "people
in our home-people who appreciate art-because this is
what we love."
"Especially after Museum openings," Charles
observes, "I think it helps promote art in this city."
The Kaffies are enthusiastic about the "interesting"
artists they meet and the "contemplative" works of art
they collect. Indeed, this is a diverse corpus of art that
continues to evolve and flourish. Just ask them if
anything is missing from their collection. The responses
by Charles and Nancy Kaffie, respectively, are quick but
sincere.
"We don't have sculptures."
"Not yet!" 0
Nancy and Charles Kaffie (and Omai) with their
Michael Tracy San Ignacio Cross (c. 1980's). The
Kaffies transformed the work into an altar when
they exchanged wedding vows.
- Elizabeth B. Reese is an independent
art and museum consultant who lives in
Corpus Christi.14 1 ARTLIES SUMMER 1999
Upcoming Pages
Here’s what’s next.
Search Inside
This issue can be searched. Note: Results may vary based on the legibility of text within the document.
Tools / Downloads
Get a copy of this page or view the extracted text.
Citing and Sharing
Basic information for referencing this web page. We also provide extended guidance on usage rights, references, copying or embedding.
Reference the current page of this Periodical.
Lightman, Victoria H. Art Lies, Volume 23, Summer 1999, periodical, 1999; Houston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth228053/m1/16/?q=%22Bryant%2C+John%22: accessed June 5, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; .