Monday, Jun. 06, 1994

The Pipe Racks Go to the Smithsonian

Every year U.S. Presidents receive untold numbers of gifts from real friends, special-interest "friends" and normal Americans. Though most gifts become government property, First Families are allowed to keep whatever they like, as long as they declare it. Last year, according to recently released disclosure forms, the Clintons chose to hang on to picture frames from Tom Hanks (value: $530); silk neckties from Donna Karan ($255); and sneakers with CLINTON printed on the tongues, from an Arkansas shoe manufacturer ($525). The faux- Magritte-ish painting (detail left) Stewardship by Greg Mort ($1,200) was a gift of the artist and his wife that was presented to the Clintons by their real friends Tom and Cynthia Schneider after the President saw it at their Maryland home.