Ace Gallery founder arrested on embezzlement charges Chrismas organized important early exhibitions at his gallery for such artists as Robert Irwin (pictured above), Michael Heizer, Tim Hawkinson and Mary Corse. Alex Marks/The New York Times. by Jori Finkel (NYT NEWS SERVICE) .- Art dealer Douglas Chrismas, who has a decadeslong track record of discovering major artists and an equally lengthy history of not paying artists in full for their sales, has been arrested on charges of embezzlement. Chrismas, 77, surrendered to FBI agents Tuesday and was released on a $50,000 bond. He has pleaded not guilty to the charges, which carry a sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison. A trial date has been set for Sept. 21.