FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Absolutely! All artworks purchased by Park West are original.

Original art is defined as any artwork created directly under the control and supervision of the artist. This can include unique one-of-a-kind artwork or limited- edition graphic works.

Yes, every work of art is backed with a Certificate of Authenticity, which is shipped in the package with the artwork. The Certificate of Authenticity provides edition information, relevant history, and provenance information.

If you are missing a Certificate of Authenticity, please contact Client Services by emailing clientservices@parkwestgallery.com or calling 1-800-521-9654

Yes, you can purchase an appraisal for any artwork—$35 USD for the first artwork; $15 USD for each additional artwork.

Park West Gallery appraisals represent our opinion on the replacement value of the artwork. We rely on factors such as artwork condition, gallery prices of reputable art galleries and independent appraisers, and historical price and data lists. We do not use third-party auction prices or internet prices.

To request a new appraisal or update a previous appraisal, please email Park West Gallery’s Appraisal Department at appraisals@parkwestgallery.com.

Purchased appraisals, in most cases, are shipped in the same package with the artwork. Otherwise, please allow up to 6 weeks from the date the art is delivered.

No, we do not currently appraise artwork that is acquired outside of our gallery.

All art varies in value. Collectors can purchase an appraisal for any artwork acquired from Park West Gallery—$35 USD for the first artwork; $15 USD for each additional artwork. Park West Gallery appraisals represent our opinion on the replacement value of the artwork. We rely on factors such as artwork condition, gallery prices of reputable art galleries and independent appraisers, and historical price and data lists. We do not use third-party auction prices or internet prices.

To request a new appraisal or update a previous appraisal, please email Park West Gallery’s Appraisal Department at appraisals@parkwestgallery.com.

YES! Park West Gallery is the world’s largest art dealer, bringing the experience of collecting fine art to more than 3 million customers since 1969.

No other company has the expertise, insight, or variety of art as Park West Gallery. Whether it’s masterpieces from history’s greatest artists or the latest artwork from leading contemporary icons.

Displaying artwork is purely subjective. Some collectors choose to highlight only one artwork per space, while others prefer to display many artworks based on color, artist, size, or theme.

However, positioning artwork at eye level is common, which measures at around 58 inches from the floor.

Avoid hanging artwork in areas with direct sunlight, humid environments, and fluctuating temperatures.

Avoid displaying or storing artwork in any damp or dark areas. Exposure to high levels of humidity may cause foxing, cracking, or organic growth (mold) on your artwork.

Avoid displaying or storing artwork in areas where the temperature rapidly fluctuates, for instance, an attic in the summer or an unfinished basement in the winter. Avoid displaying paper or canvas artwork in a bathroom. Ideally, artwork should be kept in an area where the temperature fluctuates no more than 20 degrees Fahrenheit daily.

The humidity range should also be kept within the 20% relative humidity range within a 24 hour period.

Displaying or storing artwork in areas where temperature and humidity levels rapidly fluctuate can cause stress on the medium of artwork, potentially resulting in the cracking of pigment.

Aesthetic lighting choices are subject to the discretion and taste of each collector. Some clients prefer more elaborate and personalized lighting displays, while others prefer soft and subtle highlights.

For instance, LED lights give off less heat and infrared light and have a longer lifespan. Incandescent lights cast a warm, comforting glow. Halogen lights cast a cooler tone but generate higher levels of heat.

First, determine which lighting conditions will best preserve the condition of your artwork, especially for fragile artworks on paper and canvas. Aesthetic preferences should be a secondary concern.

Limiting and controlling light exposure is integral to the longevity of your artwork. Light and heat damage often results in permanent color distortion and brittleness. Please be mindful that light and heat damage is irreversible, therefore the duration and intensity of light exposure should be carefully monitored.

To limit and control heat and light damage:

1. Avoid using fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent light emits a high level of ultraviolet energy, which accelerates color fading and distorts the color of the artwork.
2. Position lights so that they do not directly face your artwork. This will protect your artwork against heat damage.
3. Avoid displaying artwork in direct sunlight at all costs.

TEST IT YOURSELF: To test the heat of your lights, put your hand between the artwork and the light source. If you can feel the heat from the light, it could potentially damage your artwork.

Plexiglass is often preferred when exhibiting artworks on paper for its flexibility, light- weight composition, and its ability to refract and filter damaging UV light.

When cleaning dust and dirt from plexiglass, please avoid using cleaning supplies that contain ammonia, abrasives, or solvents. Use a gentle cleaning cloth made of non- abrasive or scratchy materials. Lightly wet the cloth and gently polish the plexiglass. Continue to polish and turn the cloth to avoid washing the plexiglass with a dirtied area.

Canvas artworks require careful attention. If the artwork requires an extensive cleaning treatment, we recommend that you use a professional art conservationist to clean and restore the painting.

If the artwork just requires a light dusting, tap the painting lightly to remove any loose dirt or dust. Afterwards, use a non-shedding light cloth and gently dust the surface of the painting.

Even though artwork on metal is often protected with a high-gloss urethane coating, long-term damage can still occur if not taken care of properly. To keep your artwork on metal shining, use a dry, microfiber cloth to lightly rub off dust. Be sure to use a clean cloth, as dirty fabric could potentially cause damage.

To remove fingerprints, first remove any dust from the work to reduce the chance of scratching the artwork with loose grains. From there, use a diluted automobile cleaner to gently wipe off the fingerprints.

DO NOT use metal cleaner or polish to clean the art, as this may remove the protective clear coat and sheen of the artwork.

Bronze is created from copper alloys, therefore bronze sculptures are incredibly durable. Bronze sculptures are typically coated with a layer of wax upon completion. This acts as a barrier to any humidity in the air, and prevents oxidation and metal discoloration.

While this initial wax coating will ensure the longevity of your bronze sculpture against harmful oxidizing agents, each bronze sculpture should be dusted regularly. To best clean and dust bronze, mix together unscented soap and water in a bowl. Then lightly buff the sculpture using a clean cloth and the soapy mixture. Soaps with fragrance or unnatural additives may have unknown consequences on the sculpture, so avoid these.

Acrylic sculptures should be cleaned and cared for like artworks behind plexiglass.
When cleaning dust and dirt from acrylic sculptures, avoid using cleaning supplies that contain ammonia, abrasives, or solvents. Use a gentle cleaning cloth made of non-abrasive or scratchy materials. Lightly wet the cloth and gently polish the acrylic. Continue to polish and turn the cloth to avoid washing the acrylic with a dirtied area.

DO NOT polish or wet any painted areas of the acrylic sculpture as this can potentially cause damage.

DO NOT display sculptures outside.