Doug Chrismas, a prominent dealer in the Los Angeles art scene since the 1970s and 1980s, has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison. Convicted last May on three counts of embezzling funds from his gallery’s bankruptcy estate, Chrismas will report to prison on February 17, according to the New York Times. Federal prosecutors argued for a harsher sentence, citing a pattern of financial misconduct resulting in millions of dollars in losses.
Chrismas, now 80, was pivotal in shaping contemporary art in Los Angeles, showcasing artists such as Robert Irwin and Donald Judd. However, his legacy has been sullied by decades of financial disputes and a barrage lawsuits from artists and creditors. A diary entry by Andy Warhol in 1979 alluded to nonpayment for sold artworks, foreshadowing later controversies.
The sentencing process was delayed as Chrismas’s defense sought probation, citing his advanced age. Prosecutors, however, highlighted the gravity of his actions. U.S. bankruptcy judge Robert Kwan described the embezzlement of $264,000 as “the tip of the iceberg,” estimating total diverted funds at over $14 million. This misconduct, Kwan said, caused “great intangible harm” to the integrity of the bankruptcy system and prolonged litigation for creditors.
Sam Leslie, the bankruptcy trustee who secured a 2022 civil judgment against Chrismas, echoed these concerns, noting that the diverted funds could have settled all outstanding claims. Instead, many creditors will remain unpaid. Artists, including Mary Corse, recounted years of financial disputes with Chrismas, with Corse alleging he owed her approximately $3 million and that he retained several of her artworks despite partial recovery during bankruptcy proceedings.
Chrismas continues to retain a base of loyal supporters, particularly among older collectors in LA. Letters submitted to the court emphasized his transformative impact on the art world and his commitment to reinvesting in exhibitions and spaces. Jarl Mohn, a prominent Los Angeles arts patron, credited Chrismas’s guidance for increasing the value of purchased artworks, while others described his lifestyle as humble and selfless.
