AP LEGAL ISSUES PUT SALE OF PAINTINGS ON HOLD AT RANDOLPH COLLEGE

AVV 12-3 #721262

 

LYNCHBURG, VA. (AP) — Randolph College is withdrawing its request that Lynchburg Circuit Court determine whether it can legally sell 36 pieces of art bought from a trust bequeathed by a former professor.

College spokeswoman Brenda Edson says legal issues involving four other paintings the school wants to sell must be resolved before dealing with the Louise Jordan Smith Trust collection.

The Virginia Supreme Court halted Randolph’s plans to sell four paintings at auction this month to boost its endowment. A group of Randolph graduates and former employees is challenging the sale, claiming the paintings should be kept for the benefit of students and the community.

The paintings had been expected to bring at least $32 million.