Los Angeles, CA – This spring, Bonhams will present the prestigious contemporary art collection amassed by the late Dr. Thomas and Tecoah Bruce, prominent Berkeley art patrons celebrated for their contributions to community art enrichment and support for contemporary artists. The collection will be presented across various fine art auctions at Bonhams this spring with the majority of the collection being offered in the Prints & Multiples sale on March 26 and Made in California: Contemporary Art sale on April 17 at Bonhams Los Angeles. The collection presents over 60 lots with works by leading California and international artists such as Richard Diebenkorn (1922-1993), Wayne Thiebaud (1920-2021), David Hockney (B. 1937), John Baldessari (1931-2020), Eric Fischl (b. 1948), Joan Mitchell (1925-1992) and is expected to fetch over $2 million.

Married for 67 years, the Bruces curated a collection that was reflective of the art scene in the Bay Area and the wider California region which they were actively involved in. Tecoah Bruce was a successful art consultant and champion of the California College of the Arts (CCA) where she held many leadership roles. She and Tom also founded the Tecoah Bruce Gallery and the Tecoah and Thomas Bruce Classrooms at CCA. Their involvement in the arts also spanned many other art organizations, including the Berkeley Art Museum (BAMPFA), the Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University, and museum's Contemporary Collectors Circle.

A highlight in the Prints & Multiples sale is a remarkable array of Richard Diebenkorn prints, including the artist's most monumental print, Green from 1986, which is when the Bruces acquired the work. It is estimated at $300,000 - 500,000. A unique hand-colored etching by Wayne Thiebaud, titled Pie Case, 1965/1989, is estimated at $80,000 - 120,000. Acquired over 30 years ago, this piece exemplifies the Bruces' discerning eye early on, with Thiebaud's market continuing to flourish for his colorful works of pastries and desserts.

The Made in California: Contemporary Art sale will spotlight sculptural works, such as California's Deborah Butterfield (b. 1949) and the unique horse sculpture that she is widely known for. The Bruces' piece Virgil from 1987 is estimated at $60,000 – 80,000. Additional sculptural works featured include Manuel Neri's (1930-2021) Untitled Standing Figure, 1983, estimated at $40,000 – 60,000. Also in the sale is a selection of California studio craft with ceramics by David James Gihooly (1943-2013), Viola Frey (1933-2004), Robert Arneson (1930-1992), and Peter Voulkos (1924-2002).

Upcoming sales with offerings from the Estate of Dr. Thomas and Tecoah Bruce:

- Prints & Multiples, Los Angeles – March 26 (Preview Sale)
- Made in California: Contemporary Art, Los Angeles – April 17 (Preview Sale)
- Photographs, New York – April 5 (Preview Sale)
- Post-War & Contemporary Art, New York – May 16 (Preview Sale)