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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Portrait Of Former Gov. Gardner Unveiled

From Staff And Wire Reports

He’ll be remembered for the impish grin that delighted school children and the trademark Ivy League tie, a reminder of his Harvard education.

And that’s how former Gov. Booth Gardner is represented in his official portrait, soon to join those of Washington’s 18 other former governors.

Gardner has yet to see the portrait, unveiled Tuesday in brief ceremonies at the Capital Museum.

“I hope Bruce was kind to me - I forgot to ask if he voted for me,” said Gardner in a statement sent on the Internet from Geneva, Switzerland, where he is serving as U.S. ambassador to the World Trade Organization.

Gardner was referring to Seattle artist Bruce Sharp, who painted the portrait. A nationally known illustrator, Sharp has painted and sketched politicians for national news magazines and newspapers.

The portrait cost $6,500 - $5,000 for the painting and $1,500 for the frame. The money was appropriated from the governor’s office fund.

It will be displayed at the museum for a time and then moved to the governor’s office in the state Capitol Building later this year.