CORPORATE ART PROJECTS
Clise Properties , Seattle, WA 2000 - Present

Irene Mahler advised the owner in selecting art for the lobby of Clise Properties' new, 24 story, Class A office building in downtown Seattle. Based on the qualifications of a list of suggested national artists, three artists were commissioned to create site-specific artworks. In addition, existing works by Deloss Webber were purchased. All of the art in the lobby of this building is sculpture.

The power and grace of Deborah Butterfield's larger than life horse, fabricated from found rustic metal and installed in the main entry of this formal lobby, is a striking contrast and juxtaposition of materials and ideas. Deloss Webber's three large hand carved wood spheres in varying sizes are paired with the Butterfield. In each of the lobby's two elevator corridors, Ann Gardner created a wall-mounted, subtly curved polished steel abstract form covered with hand-cut glass mosaic tiles. The quiet beauty of Gardner's sculpture is a magnificent contrast to the vibrant color and energy of Joseph McDonnell's painted bronze wall sculpture, Homage to Matisse. McDonnell was commissioned to make a second sculpture for the opposite wall. He used brushed stainless steel for his abstract composition of energetic forms.

Mahler is currently selecting art for the offices of Clise Properties.


Deborah Butterfield,
Deloss Webber, Joseph McDonell


Joseph McDonnell,
Painted bronze




Brad Rude,
Cast bronze



WRQ, Inc. Seattle, WA 1985 - Present

Irene Mahler has worked with Seattle based software company, WRQ continually since 1985 developing and managing their corporate art collection. There are over 200 contemporary, abstract and realistic art works by Regional and National artists in the WRQ collection in a broad variety of media including painting, sculpture, photography, original prints, glass, wood and found objects.

An important aspect of this company's culture is nature conservancy, a theme that is prominent both literally and conceptually in this art collection. Figurative works by Mark Toby, Kenneth Callahan, Pat Decaro, Randy Hayes, Ginny Ruffner and others are included. Animals are also featured and there is an underlying sense of humor expressed by artists such as Galen Hansen and C.T.Chew. The collection reflects not only the company’s culture but also the vision and sensibilities of WRQ’s Margaret Walker with whom Mahler has worked closely from the beginning in developing this art collection.

Michael Brophy,
Mine,
Oil on canvas
Frank Russell Company, Tacoma WA 1987- 1989 / 2000 - Present

Frank Russell Company contracted with Mahler Fine Arts Consulting, Inc. in 1987 to develop an art collection for their new World Corporate Headquarters in Tacoma, WA. The vision for the collection was to reflect the Northwest Region as the home base of this renowned international corporation. Mahler worked closely with George and Jane Russell, founders of the Frank Russell Company, and the architecture/design team from NBBJ.

Several works in the collection were commissioned with a specific vision in mind, such as the large oil painting mural in the main lobby depicting a team ascending Mt. Rainier and a glass installation by Dale Chihuly. Artworks in the collection include paintings, sculpture, drawings, photography, all purchased from artists and galleries throughout the Northwest region.

In 2001 when the Company was sold, Mr. & Mrs. Russell personally purchased a majority of the artworks in this collection for the Russell Family Foundation.

Mahler Fine Arts Consulting, Inc. is currently advising Frank Russell Company, recently renamed Russell Investment Group, in purchasing a new art collection.




Randy Hayes,
Ascending Mt. Rainer,
Pastel on paper


Dale Chihuly installation


Victoria Johnson,
Flowing Spirits Collect Water,
Oil on panel




Copyright 2004 Mahler Fine Arts Consulting, Inc.
206.624.7363     irene@mahlerfinearts.com