Post by duncan on Jan 4, 2005 20:03:25 GMT -5
I also just returned from a cruise where I purchased some art from Park West at Sea. I didn't even know they had such auctions on cruise ships. I went every day they had an auction, got the free art they offered for coming, and also purchased approximately a thousand dollars worth of art. I enjoyed the auctions, learned a lot about the art market, and was exposed to artists and works I had not seen before. I framed the free art in basic "over the counter" frames (nothing high cost, they were free, after all) and hung them on the walls of my house. They look good and I enjoy looking at them. I received the unframed art I purchased 4 weeks (to the day) after returning home. Although only time will tell if what I purchased was any big bargain, I really like what I got. While there is definitely a difference in quality (primarily in the type of paper used) between the free and/or low cost items I bought and the high end pieces, that is only to be expected, and they will all look great once they are framed and on display. I can hardly wait to get the framing done and get the pieces on my walls to enjoy (and isn't that what art is really about - that you enjoy it, whatever it is?) In that sense, I made some good purchases, and if they do appreciate in value, so much the better. Overall, I am happy with the experience I had with Park West at Sea, and if the competitors are jealous, perhaps they should also consider the fact that others, like myself, may now be motivated by their experience with Park West to visit their local galleries back home. So, in the long run, Park West may actually be doing the other galleries, and the art world in general, a favor.