Issue link: http://cp.revolio.com/i/76076
"We choose to live across the water, but we're downtown all the time." "Brenda and I love Seattle," Jeff says. ART HAVEN Jeff and Brenda have lived in the same house on Somerset Hill in south Bellevue for 32 years. In that time, they raised both children and decorated with personally selected glass sculptures and an extensive collection of original paintings. Their tastes lean toward Northwest art, and Jeff's knowledge on the subject is extensive. During a tour of the house, he deftly recalls details about each artist and when and where the family purchased the work. When Marlee and Reed were younger, vacations often included museums and galleries, from which art was often shipped back home. Jeff and Brenda bought their first piece of glass art in 1978. "Since I deal with numbers every day, I wanted something that added some diversity to what I do," Jeff explains. The family got to know Dale Chihuly, among other artists, personally, and Jeff sat on the Pilchuck Glass School board of trustees from 1983–2007, serving as president from 1998–2002. He joined the board of trustees at PONCHO— Patrons of Northwest Civic, Cultural and Charitable Organizations—in 2002 and served as its president from 2006–2008. As co-chair of the Tacoma Art Museum's collection committee, he influences the direction and pieces in the museum's holdings. He also receives intimate exposure to artists and their works. Around the time Mangan's "Trojan Horse" went on display, Jeff and Brenda purchased "Hotel & Bar," painted by the artist during the same year. "Jeff gets a twinkle in his eye when talking about Northwest art," Tacoma Art Museum Director Stephanie Stebich says, calling him "a smart, diligent and engaged board member." employer transferred him to Seattle. Club in 1974, about six months after his former Jeff joined the The Atkins' passion for art has influenced all their lives. In 1989, for example, Jeff and Reed visited Foster/White Gallery in downtown Seattle. Wandering through a back room, they noticed painter Richard Gilkey's "The Red Table." In it, a rock and a book rest atop the eponymous piece of furniture. Jeff bought the painting, and ever since it has hung in a prominent place in the Atkin house. "It was a reminder to us whether your mind should be a rock, and not let anything in, or a book," Jeff says. "I see it every day." AUGUST 2012 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | 29