Hanes, champion for arts, passes away

Philanthropist Phil Hanes, known for his leadership and support of the arts in North Carolina and across the country, also shared his love of the arts with Wake Forest University.

Hanes, age 84, died Jan. 16.

In 2001, The Charlotte and Philip Hanes Art Gallery was named for Hanes and his wife in recognition of their contributions to the arts.

“Phil Hanes has been a good friend to Wake Forest, and it was a pleasure to know him as a friend and neighbor,” said Wake Forest President Nathan O. Hatch.  “His passion for the arts and for his hometown was inspiring. Wake Forest is honored that his name graces our fine arts gallery and that his advocacy for our city has created such strong connections on the campus.”

The 3,600 square-foot gallery in the Scales Fine Arts Center showcases a variety of exhibits and has featured student exhibitions as well as work by internationally known artists such as Pablo Picasso and Andy Warhol.

Hanes and his wife also routinely invited Wake Forest art students to their home to view their art collection.

“Every year, they were most generous in inviting my American art class to visit their home, where Phil regaled us with salty tales about his adventures in art collecting,” said David Lubin, professor of art at Wake Forest.

Hanes gave three paintings from his collection to the university:  “Mrs. Daniel Rogers,” a 1762 painting by John Singleton Copley; “Spanish Girl,” an 1886 oil painting on mahogany by William Merritt Chase; and “Outside Cannes,” an oil painting on canvas by William Glackens.

In addition, Phil and Charlotte Hanes donated their 1820s plantation-style house to the university.

Hanes received an honorary doctor of laws degree from Wake Forest in 1990. Charlotte Hanes has served on the university’s Board of Visitors for the College and Graduate School of Arts and Sciences.

In 1988, Hanes’ mother, Dewitt Chatham Hanes, donated her home for use as the Wake Forest President’s residence.

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