Felicé Hrovat

Collector's Corner

Collecting at Home or on Vacation

Recently my husband and I returned from a vacation on the Big Island of Hawaii. We try to visit every year and I’m never ceased to be pleasantly surprised at how big the art market is, and fast growing (I’m told on all of the Islands), both with commercial and co-op galleries. The majority of art business in tourist areas of the islands is, of course, tourists wanting to take home a piece of paradise. Luxury resorts have also gotten into the act by featuring local artists in their lobbies and lounges. It got me to pondering the question of collecting at home or on vacation. Is there a difference and what are the pros and cons? In my mind, finding a great piece of art, no matter where you are, is always a plus! If you are on traveling, getting it home is another matter. A few tips while collecting while traveling:

• Make sure the gallery (or the artists) has an adequate shipping policy whereupon the artwork is insured and you can return it for a full refund if damaged.
• Always buy what you like, but are relatively sure you are going to still like when you get it home.
• If you plan to carry the painting on the plane, make sure the seller packs it securely and check with the airline regarding sizes they will allow you to carry-on.
• I suggest never checking a painting, no matter how well packed, through with the luggage unless it is a small, under 8x10 framed painting packed in your luggage. You are much better off to have it shipped by a professional packing and shipping company with insurance.

So go on vacation and collect art!

 New Online Auction on the Website:

“The Desert Light”
by W. Jason Situ
12x9 oil
original price $1150 with a starting bid of $800
To place your bid, email the gallery!
On for one month only.