09/11/2007

09/11/2007 Pursuant to a federal investigation regarding the sexual exploitation of minors, Eileen Guggenheim was interviewed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation(FBI). Present during the interview was Guggenheim's husband, Russell Wilkinson, and Assistant United States Attorney A. Marie Villafana. After being advised of the identity of the interviewing agents and purpose of the interview, Guggenheim voluntarily provided the following information: Guggenheim, current Chairman of the New York Academy of Arts(NYAA) board, met Jeffrey Epstein through NYAA functions. In the 1990's, the time period she met Epstein, Guggenheim was lecturing and working with student services at the NYAA. Epstein was a former NYAA board member. Guggenheim stated her husband, Russell Wilkinson, could provide additional information regarding Epstein and his association to the NYAA at which time Wilkinson engaged in conversation with the interviewing agents. Wilkinson advised that Epstein was a NYAA board member in the 1980's into the early 1990's. Epstein was a social acquaintance with artist Andy Warhol. Epstein allowed the board to have meetings at his apartment as well as his office space located in the Villard House, corner of Madison Avenue and 53rd Street, New York, New York. Epstein attended NYAA parties and supported the school financially but he was not considered to be part of the "inner cirle." Wilkinson stated Epstein was in the "social orbit of the school" meaning Epstein was more involved socially with the school than intellectually. Epstein frequently purchased artwork at the NYAA auctions and sponsored benefit tables. Epstein was consistent in his support of NYAA events. Epstein left the NYAA in the 1990's. The founder of the school, Stuart Pivar, "got out of hand" and did not get reelected to the board. Wilkinson opined that Epstein resigned because his main contact with the board, Pivar, was not reelected to the NYAA board. Epstein's long time girlfriend was Ghislaine Maxwell. Following the information provided by Wilkinson, Guggenheim then continued the interview. Guggenheim estimated Epstein's contributions to the NYAA at $5,000-$20,000 per year. Epstein showed no particular interest in any type of art. Epstein had a patron relationship with Guggenheim's former babysitter, Marie Farmer. Epstein was a "sponsor patron" providing for Farmer so she could finish her education and paint. She traveled to Epstein's residence in Ohio and returned very upset. Guggenheim did not know the details but believed she was hurt possibly by a verbal suggestion made by Epstein. Farmer painted portraits of Guggenheim's daughter, Isabel. Guggenheim stated she was viewing one of the paintings of Isabel as she was talking to the interviewing agents. The painting she was viewing depicted Isabel crouched up in her underwear. She described the painting as odd, slightly risque but well done. Farmer had taken photographs of Isabel and used them for her paintings. Guggenheim stated that Epstein had no interaction with Isabel. Guggenheim traveled to Santa Fe, New Mexico in approximately July 1998. A group of approximately six students, including Marie Farmer, Jeff Lauren and Robin Buxton, traveled to Santa Fe to attend an art workshop on the human figure. The EFTA00269756 instructor for the workshop was Eric Fisher(phonetic). Guggenheim believed the students were selected to attend the workshop based on merit. Guggenheim visited Epstein at his residence. Architect Jack Robertson built the town where Epstein's New Mexico residence is located and the town is the entrance to Epstein's property. Guggenheim provided her email address, EFTA00269757