Quinn will use private funds for official portrait

SPRINGFIELD — Outgoing Gov. Pat Quinn says he’ll rely on private funds to pay for his official portrait that’ll hang at the state Capitol in Springfield.

Commissioning a portrait is among a governor’s final acts. Some have used state funds.

Quinn spokesman Dave Blanchette said Tuesday that Quinn won’t tap taxpayers.

David Bourland is the Executive Mansion’s curator and has helped governors with portraits. He tells the Springfield bureau of Lee Enterprises newspapers that it can cost up to $25,000.

Once it’s finished, Quinn’s picture will hang on the walls of the Capitol’s second floor alongside portraits of his predecessors.

However, it can take some time. Former Gov. George Ryan’s portrait took nearly a year to complete after he left office.

Republican Gov.-elect Bruce Rauner replaces Quinn in January.

ASSOCIATED PRESS