David H. Bancroft, Artist, 59, Washington Post

[DGH]

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http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/06/18/AR2010061805569_2.html?nav=mbot

David H. Bancroft Artist, NEA Specialist

David H. Bancroft, 59, an artist who worked for more than 35 years for
the National Endowment for the Arts in Washington, died of cancer June
6 [2010] at the Capital Hospice's Halquist Memorial Inpatient Center
in Arlington County. He was a Washington resident.

Mr. Bancroft started at the NEA as a part-time clerk and typist. He
rose to become the agency's museum and visual arts specialist,
advising museums across the country on collection management,
conservation and special exhibitions. He received numerous
professional awards, including the NEA's Distinguished Service Award,
before retiring in May.

David Howland Bancroft was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela, and grew up
in Colombia, Panama and Ecuador, where his parents served in the U.S.
Foreign Service. He was bilingual in English and Spanish.

Upon returning to the United States, he graduated in 1969 from Bishop
Ireton High School in Alexandria. He received a bachelor's degree in
fine arts from Catholic University in 1973.

As an artist, Mr. Bancroft painted with oil and watercolors and drew
with charcoal, pastels and pen and ink. His position with the NEA took
him to annual American Association of Museums conventions and to
museum exhibitions around the country.

He enjoyed opera and theater and attended Washington National Opera
performances and shows at the Kennedy Center, National Theatre and
Studio Theatre.

Survivors include his partner of 13 years, Joseph H. Garaventa of the
District; his mother, Philomena Bancroft of Arlington; a sister,
Pamela Bancroft Kokal of Arlington; and a brother, Geoffrey Bancroft
of Fairfax City.

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Emma Brown