PARK WEST GALLERY

[Steve Williams]

On your receipt you should have a phone number to contact them about the late shipment. I don't know about export to Malta, if it would take longer. I have bought artwork on 4 different cruises from Park West, if you have the items framed it can take a while to get them. It was a great intro to art, however as with anything you should watch what you are doing, not just get caught up in the moment. If I see a work I am interested in, I figure out what I would pay, if not sure what the worth is you can always go online on the ships computer & look up pricing on web sites, ebay or search google for the art. I personally have several kinkades, Raad, & spahn, bought both on ebay & Park West, all below gallery prices.

The poor artist referred to earlier has given them permission to do the give away prints to promote the auction & their name, if anybody really believes they are worth hundreds of dollars, then you need to do some thinking about why they would just hand them out. I have lots of them, plus several of the big drawing prizes, I have won. I enjoyed some of them, others I gave away to family & friends after the cruise, I let them pick what they like & it is a nice gift if they see something they like.
It would be interesting to know what the net worth is of the poor artist discussed earlier, I think you would be surprised that several of them are quite well off. Of course Park West is making their money also, but they are taking the risk.

[miky443]

Call Park West or Your cruise line. I received my recent purchases in 2-3 weeks when they promise 6 weeks.

[DJ Repischak]

Unfortunately, there happens to be alot of misinformation about Park West Gallery floating around both on the internet, and WORSE, from smaller competitors in the art market. Lets face it, Park West is one of the largest Art Dealers in the WORLD. There is bound to be some resentment from other art dealers. Granted, PWG does not have the best customer service record in the business - that happens with all large businesses - and is by no means acceptable. However, they do eventually get around satisfying most complaints about lost art work, etc. I've heard MANY nasty things said about PWG engaging in FRAUDULENT Business practices. I even heard they were under investigation for criminal violations. BUT I HAVE NEVER SEEN ANY EVIDENCE to support these allegations. I'm not exactly "happy" with the company myself, but I'm an honest man who believes in giving people the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise. I do have a vested interest in PWG's reputation as I own several pieces of art purchased from them on both land and at sea, so I want FACTS not Allegations. Anyone up for the challenge?

[Dave]

As with all things in life you people should stop looking for the goose and the golden egg and just listen.
The free works of art that I received were exactly that...FREE. the value of $95.00 is based on the 'Limited availability' of the art work from world famous artists. Why would anyone pay over $4000,000 for a print, well they do. because Andy Warhole did it. Thats right a work of art is priced as to what the market will tolerate.
The $500.00 giveaway is in the same catergory. Park west Gallery controls all of that edition. When that edition is sold out it will increase in value ( at a small level) Not unlike Mr kinkade who produces thousands of prints.
If the art makes your heart sing....It is good art.
Compare your prices, do your homework use this very medium to satisfy your concerns and I promise you you will realise that ParkWest do offer exceptional value for money.
I myself have purchased over 20 works on board ships and I have made considerable gains with the value.
I personally know of a number of gallery owners who cruise with the sole purpose of purchasing art for their galleries from ParkWest.
That should tell yoou something.

[Glen D]

I had purchased three pieces of art during a cruise I had taken about 8 weeks ago. I actually wanted one piece but was offered a very cheap price for two more and I figured why not, the framing cost was much cheaper than I could get in the states. So, not only did I buy a Peanuts (or Snoopy) uncut trading cards alredy framed but also purchased two more landscape prints with my chosen frame and shipping for all @ appox $600. My first Art buy ever! Anyway, I received a shipment yesterday (with loads of bubble wrap). My question is this, do all pieces get shipped separately because I only received one of the pieces, not all three?? Is this typical to any of the art buyers out there?

[Vicki peters]

Guest-Steve said:

I have read the article, and then went to Park West Gallery's website www.parkwestgallery.com and on the homepage they offer a free seriolithograph by Bellet. I called Parkwest and talked to one of their reps asked them about this print, and she told me that due to the size of Park West Gallery they make deals with certain artists to put out these seriolithographs...Park West Gives these away, so they are not creating any market for these pieces...and If others want to buy and sell these pieces then they feel that this prints carry some nominal value...$15 is not unreasonable even for a poster. I don't think Park West uses these for anything more than thank you cards...and they have the rights from the artists to do so.

TEXT

[Tom]

I am addressing a number of comments concerning Park West Gallery posted in this forum.

I purchased a number of art works during a Park West auction on a cruise.

I have received every item I purchased. Each was shipped separately. Each was packed extremely well. It took about eight weeks from the completion of the cruise to receive everything. The pieces arrived during a three week period of time. I am extremely pleased with the art, with the framing, with the service, and with the price paid.

[Yvonne Chang Australia]

From [e-mail]

Bought a Dali (L'Orient) lithograph and Renoir etching on laid paper on Holland American ship (Statendam) from San Diego to Panama and return.
Ship left San Diego on 15th Oct 2004 and returned on 5th Nov 2004.
Expected works to arrive 1st week of January 2005. Nothing to-date ( Feb 11th 2005)
Please advise

[Tom]

At first I thought that seemed like a long time, but then I saw that you are from Australia. I don't think that you (like the earlier writer who was from Malta) should expect delivery to take the same amount of time as for buyers who live in the USA.

In the USA, Park West tells us to expect delivery in about 6 weeks. In the USA it only takes 1-3 days to receive the item once it leaves the gallery. So how long do you think it will take just for transit time to Australia? Plus there may be a delay for customs inspection, etc.

I don't know how long it whould take, but I think I would double the waiting time...maybe 12 weeks. You can always call Park West Customer Service. It doesn't cost that much to telephone between Australia and the USA.

[Keith]

I have read extensive commentary about Park West all over the web. Some of it is bad but most is good. I suspect that the bad is based on individuals who expected something for nothing or from competitors. Bottom line: Know what you are looking for and know what the market is. Then compare the prices at the auction. They usually do three auctions on the cruise. The prices escalate throughout the cruise. We bought pieces for 3300 that sold quickly for 5400 days later. But we knew what we were buying. If you like it and you feel it is a good value, buy it. Be happy with it. Don't worry about these idiots that seem to believe they will get the find of the century at a crusie auction. Most of the items we bought were 40-60% off gallery prices. We had been looking at several pieces and knew the price range so we jumped on them With the prints/lithographs, you may get a limited proof but the reality is that most artists (or galleries who have contracts with the artists) make several types of limited editions of the same prints to create an illusion of exclusivity. Even so, most of the Park West items are sold at a very reasonable price if you want it. Don't buy them if you think you are investing. If you are going to invest then you need to get original unique works which Park West has plenty of as well (especially Peter Max) but you will pay for the fact they are unique (and therefore more collectible). Finally, don't worry about all the nattering nabobs of negativity on thse sites. If you like it and you feel it was worth the money, then it was. You don't need to invite all of these "appraisal experts" to your home.

[preacher000]

I have found Park West like all art operations. Do you homework before hand. Look for future growth in value and you will do well.

[Jeff Vacaville CA]

I have bought Art from 2 different ship auctions. Both times I got what I feel is a good deal on artists that I LIKE, Bellet and Erickson were my favorites. I knew nothing about art and still don't but I really like the art that I bought. The service was very good and shipping was what I was told it would be. My only complaint is that I won $1,000 dollars of art by guessing the value of a picasso and I had to pay shipping. If I hadn't purchased two other pieces I would have been mad. I still have the others that they gave me before and most likly will give them away rather then pay several hundred each to frame them.
Jeff

[pat]

I just returned from a cruise myself and was involved with my first auction. I wasn't familiar with the names of the paintings and did not review my invoice I recieved on the day I signed for them. Upon investigation on the computer I have found the invoice does not match the names or the paintings I bid on and thought I bought. I do not even like the art that I found. I have left a message, actually 3, and sent an e-mail to the address shown earlier in this thread. I am just heart broken, and sick to my stomach knowing I spent hard earned money on what seems to be a waste. Hopfully I will hear from them tomorrow or the next day. This is just terrible.

[Mary Perkins]

:)I received my art in 2 weeks. I love the vibrant colors, and I appreciate my "free" Tarkay. No poster has those colors in it. The auctioneer never pressed anyone, and his knowledge of the painter was an education in itself. All the artwork our family has bought on cruises has been worth every penny. We always get what we know we can live with. If it increases in value, fine,but that should never be the main purpose of the buy. Thank you, Park West, for a lovely time on The Rhapsody. Where else ,but a museum or University, can you see so much art, and get such good information?---Mary

[Chuck McDonald]

Purchased 4 pieces of art from Park West on a New Year's cruise that ended 1-4-05. Told delivery guaranteed in 6-8 weeks. Today is March 23 (that's 12 weeks if you're keeping count) and I have received nothing, although payment was made in full at time of purchase.
Called today and was informed that my first piece has now been shipped.