Excited About Art

Dear Park West Gallery,

"I'm a fly-on entertainer with Carnival and have been on 14 different ships performing over the last 18 months. Last week I was cruising with my my wife who 'strongly suggested' we check out the art gallery. It is not something I was interested in doing but since my better half wanted to go, we did.

First, [the art associate] was fantastic. She noticed a certain Igor Medvedev piece I was eying and warmly approached us and told us all about the artist and his style. [She] then mentioned the art auction and kindly asked us to come.

The auction was rather captivating. As a person who speaks and performs for a living I was very impressed with [the art auctioneer]; he did a fantastic job: Wonderful cadence, great timing, funny and extremely informative.

I made a point at my comedy show to tell the 500 people in attendance they should definitely go to the art auction... Never have I ever been excited about art... After that experience I look forward to collecting more.

Thanks so much to [the staff]. The 8 weeks it takes to ship them to our place will be long, however I am so looking forward to getting them up on the wall."

JASON B.
Milton, Ontario

"Emerald Harbor" by Igor Medvedev
Park West Gallery Collection

"I just wanted to say how impressed I am with your employees, both on the ship (Carnival Liberty – Mar 24 - Mar 31, 2012) and off (your customer service and land sales organization).

First of all on the ship, three of the gentlemen working in the gallery were all so very nice it was an absolute pleasure working with them.

To top it all off, every time I walked into the gallery on the ship, these guys knew who I was by name and they all treated me and my friends like we were long lost friends. It was so inviting and it definitely made me WANT to do business with Park West Gallery. They are an awesome team! 

Once I got home I realized that in the flurry of last minute negotiations, the 'Aloha Bugs' print was not on my final order, so I called customer service and explained what happened. (I called the Saturday before Easter, so I was surprised anyone was even there.) They were very nice, listened to me and made sure they understood the nature of my call before they transferred me to sales... I was so very impressed with how nice [the sales associate] was and how quickly she was able to help me out… and all on a Saturday!

So overall… at every step of the way, your folks were professional, helpful, friendly, knowledgeable and most importantly knew how to get the job done. I have purchased from Park West Gallery in the past and I will continue to do so in the future… and of course, I have been telling anyone who will listen what a great experience it was.

Park West Gallery should be very proud of a job well done by everyone I encountered."

LORI P.
Cincinnati, Ohio

Quality Art, Professional Employees: The Park West Gallery Experience

"Road King" by Scott Jacobs
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"I wanted to let you know that the 'Road King' arrived safe and sound. My husband loves it! The website does not do justice to the actual picture. I wanted to say Thank You for all of your extra efforts and to let you know that Ted is so happy with his collection. We look forward to doing business with Park West Gallery in the future. We are very pleased with our experience. Thanks again."

LORI K.

Boynton Beach, Florida

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"Just want to let you know that I had the best time during the auctions and that your staff was great. They were very professional and fun. They did a great job."

NELSON A.

Ocala, Florida
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"Just a short note to say thanks for a great time. As expected, we enjoyed the cruise and meeting the artists. It was extra special to meet Mr. Scaglione and his wife. Hope to see you again at a future event. Thanks again and travel safe."

RICHARD M.
Kissimmee, Florida
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"I want to thank you for another great auction on the ship Carnival Pride. This crew of people were the best of any I have been with. I don't usually buy art of this quality, but I will now. I bought 2 Peter Max's and 2 Bellet's. This is just a thank you to the owner and the management for the training and the fine quality you have and the professionalism of your people."

KEVIN R.
Geneva, New York
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"We wanted to inform you and provide you with a copy of an email we recently sent to Holland America - Customer Service. We were extremely pleased with our experience, specifically the level of attention and service provided by Park West Gallery's representatives. They are truly professional. We are very satisfied customers and wanted to let you know that you have exceptional employees representing your company."

SHARON A.

St. Petersburg, Florida

The Park West Gallery Team is Top-Notch

"Walking in Reeds" by Peter Max
©Peter Max, 2011
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"Just wanted to praise the art gallery team on Carnival Pride.

I was absolutely impressed with [the associate's] knowledge and passion of art. He was instrumental in selling me a Peter Max.

I absolutely love my artwork and am so happy with each piece. [Our auctioneer] and was so personable and entertaining. You have a top-notch team on the Pride and I just wanted to sing their praises.

Once again, truly a surprising bonus to my vacation was visiting your gallery and I hope to do it again in the near future."

LISA M.

Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Pleased with Park West Gallery

"Art Inspired by Life" by Marcus Glenn
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"I would like to drop a quick note to say how much we enjoyed your art team on our cruise. [They] took a lot of time with us to show and explain the artists and working to get us the best prices possible.

We were not planning on getting anything this cruise as we had been offered some VIP packages and were planning on waiting for one of them to buy. However when we met with your team we could not help but to purchase more.

What a unique once in a lifetime chance you have offered at a fantastic price. [Your team] was great to work with and I would love to cruise with this group again. They were a very special crew and you could tell they all cared about us as well as each other."

STEVE & ROSE W.

Omaha, Nebraska 
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"Since our honeymoon on the now-decommissioned Carnival Jubilee in 2003, we have enjoyed artwork purchased from Park West Gallery on nearly a half-dozen cruises. Naturally, we have encountered the same number of auctioneers, and dozens of their team members. However, on no other occasion have we felt as comfortable and important as we did on the Carnival Magic's August 14 sailing out of Barcelona.

[The team was] professional, yet personal. They were passionate about their work and committed to sharing their knowledge with us. Under their direction, we 'graduated' from serial lithographs to Peter Max and Itzchak Tarkay originals, and we couldn't be more pleased.

As our framed artwork is arriving and making its place in our entryway, we are reminded of the stellar job these three individuals did. We genuinely appreciated their customer service and warmth, such that we left our European cruise not simply missing the beautiful ports of call, but the generosity and friendliness of the Carnival Magic art team.

We hope you will pass this message onto them and let them know that their work has made a difference in our lives. Thank you very much, Park West Gallery, for recruiting such talented people who inspire us. We wish the very best for our home state of Michigan's greatest gallery."

PATRICIA & KEITH D.

Cypress, Texas

The Park West Gallery Experience is Exciting and Fun

"Reflections of the Coast" by Charles Lee
Park West Gallery Collection

DEAR PARK WEST GALLERY:

"I wanted to recognize your staff onboard the Ecstasy during our last cruise. [The auctioneer] and the rest [of his staff] made the entire experience exciting and fun. [He] made good use of humor and kept us entertained throughout. He was extremely knowledgeable and helpful in informing us on the art we were interested in purchasing. Please pass along a job well done and you can be assured Park West Gallery will be our first choice when we look to collect again."

DOUGLAS & JENNIFER T.
Spring, Texas
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"Just wanted to say you have a great team onboard the Carnival Freedom. We have been to a number of auctions at sea, but this was by far the best of any I and my wife have attended. Informative, fun and fast moving enough not to get bored. We are were very pleased that we managed to get several works of art on this cruise that we have wanted originals for. Please pass on this small note of appreciation to them. You have a great team there."

CHRIS G.

Palm Bay, Florida

Experience Art Appreciation at Sea with Park West Gallery

Dear Park West Gallery,

"We would like to inform you about our exceptional experience with [the Park West Gallery staff] this past week on board the cruise ship Destiny.

We purchased two Peter Max mixed media lithographs and can't wait for them to arrive at our home. I wanted to buy more but my wife put a clamp on the purse strings!

Our four teenagers were newly exposed to art and were encouraged (and did) attend their first art auction. [The Park West Gallery] team was very enthusiastic and their enthusiasm was contagious - our children told us that they now have a new appreciation for art.

The team answered all of our questions seriously and respectfully. They were all very personable and accommodating which led to a memorable family experience."

SCOTT C. & FAMILY

Carmel, Indiana

Carnival Cruisers Enjoy Park West Gallery Art Auctions

"Aloha Bugs" | Warner Bros. Studio
Park West Gallery Animation Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"I recently took another wonderful Carnival cruise and one of the highlights of each cruise is the art auction by Park West Gallery.

I must say on this cruise (Carnival Freedom, sail date May 29, 2011) the two gentlemen and the two ladies were the finest team I have ever observed thus far.

My wife and I purchased a very nice piece of art at a very reasonable price at auction.

I will certainly relay my experience with the Carnival management team as well.

Good work!"

MITCH L.

Charleston, Tennessee

Compliments for the Cruise Art Auction Team

"Lady Wellington" by Barbara Wood

Dear Park West Gallery,

I am sending you this letter to let you know how pleased you should be regarding some of your employees.

My husband and I went on a Western Caribbean cruise aboard the Carnival Legend on April 10-17, 2011 and had a delightful experience with your art people. You should be very proud of the way they conducted themselves and represented Park West Gallery. They made a great team and worked well together.

Your art director was very patient and kind and very knowledgeable on all the art pieces and artists. He was a great auctioneer. [The art associate] was a great teacher and conducted four separate education classes on art, which I attended and thoroughly enjoyed. [Another associate] was so cheerful and bubbly, I wanted to just always come back and look at the art because she always gave me a happy mood. [Another team member] was such a gentleman and always there to help and assist with any answers to questions I might have. [The art handler] was always so full of energy, with such a pleasing personality and he always knew where to put the paintings, etc.

All in all, I should say 'the team' worked extremely well together and certainly brought Park West Gallery to the public and the people on the ship. This is not my first cruise, and I am well aware of the art for sale on cruises, but I just felt that this time I really needed to compliment the art people. And what better way to compliment someone than to let their boss know how well they represented Park West Gallery.

I hope you will congratulate these fine young people on a job well done.

MARY & STEVEN S.

Cumming, Georgia

Putting a Feather in the Auctioneer's Cap

 Dear Park West Gallery,

"We had the opportunity to sail on the Carnival Spirit for a 12-day cruise commencing on 4/10/11 out of Ensenada, Mexico to the Hawaiian Islands. We purchased artwork at the Park West Gallery.

The lead for Park West Gallery was a gentleman named Peter. We have attended many Park West Gallery auctions aboard cruise ships. Without a doubt, Peter gets our vote for the most congenial, pleasant and well-informed auctioneer. 

Peter is funny, but not sticky sweet funny; informed, but not a know-it-all; and receptive (but not overly alerted) to peoples’ different tastes in art. In one instance, he worked an assistant’s name into a short phrase from a disco song – very catchy and got the crowd in an 'involved' mood.

Please put a feather in his cap as it is very much deserved. If possible, please pass this along to Peter’s supervisor. Thank you."

Debby and Roger G.

Tucson, Arizona

Cruisers Say Park West Gallery Provides Excellent Service and Quality

"Lakeside Festivities" by Shlomo Alter
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the Park West Gallery Auctions on the Carnival Cruise I just completed.

I do not remember their names but the couple from South Africa and the Scottish Auctioneer were just plain terrific. They were interesting, informative and a pleasure to talk to. My highest compliments to them and your organization. Because of them, you have a new customer."

Sam G.
Roanoke, Texas
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"Thought to send you an email to say that I purchased art last year whilst on a Celebrity cruise. The service and quality of your company was excellent."

Jack W.
Glasgow, Scotland
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"I would appreciate your fowarding this message to Albert and Mitsie Scaglione.

My wife Bonnie and I were on the NCL Sun. I want to bring to your attention one special employee-[the art associate]. [He] was very courteous, kind and helpful to me. He is very knowledgeable about art, answered all my questions and also suggested an artist similar to Metlan whose works I purchased.

I also want to compliment [the art director] for a number of outstanding art lectures. I attended each of his talks. He rekindled an interest in art."

Robert M.
Foster City, California

Park West Gallery Cruise Art Auctions Are Fabulous!

"Driving Through the Plains" by David Najar
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"Thank you! Thank you! I just received my David Najar and it is so fabulous! Much more beautiful then I remember. I can't wait for my next opportunity to find just the piece that touches my heart."

Anne C.

Cary, North Carolina
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"I just want to let you know what a gem you have in [your art auctioneer] — she did a wonderful job. Bright and cheery, easy to work with and she just makes you feel like you have know her for quite some time. She did a great job at the auction... I hope I can catch her on our next cruise."

William H.

West Monroe, Louisiana

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"Our cruise on Carnival Victory was truly enhanced by the art auctions. The auctioneer was easily one of the best I’ve listened to on a cruise ship. He shared a depth of knowledge that was truly helpful. I’ve already had most of it framed and hung and the whole family is enjoying the art."

Gerald S.

Barbados

The Park West Gallery Art Team Was Fantastic!

Dear Park West Gallery...

"We attended our art auction with Park West Gallery on the Carnival Legend last week and had a great time! The art team was FANTASTIC!! They were VERY knowledgeable and personable and made our experience outstanding."

Jacob M.
Crestview, Florida
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"I enjoyed the art auctions. Those involved with your company were professional and well learned. They treated me with kindness and answered all questions. I am happy with selections you offered and as I said your people were helpful. I will tell my clients to make sure to attend the actions, if not to purchase, then for the education. I am looking forward to seeing my art in my home."

Twana M.

Vidor, Texas
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"I would like to say thank you to the staff on the ship, Norwegian Gem. My painting (print) arrived safe and sound this morning and I'm so happy. I love it and it has the pride place in my home. Thank you all for your wonderful effort."

Edith B.
Jurien Bay, Australia

So Pleased with Park West Gallery

Dear Park West Gallery...

"In May 2010, I did the two week Panama Canal cruise aboard the Carnival Elation. I had visited Park West Gallery auctions about six years prior on another Carnival ship and had purchased two paintings that, unfortunately, I did not get framed until recently.

During the two week cruise I attended all of the art auctions. The auctioneer and his staff were excellent. I ended up buying eight works: 3 Tarkays, 3 Le Kinffs, a Barbara Wood and an Andrew Warden. I also had Park West Gallery frame them for me.

The prices that I paid for these artworks are excellent. I am so pleased with all of them. The auctioneer and his team were very patient with me, answered all of my questions and did not try to rush me through my buying process.

I am looking forward to participating in your future art auctions when I cruise."

Concetta B.

Cape Canaveral, Florida





[Image: "Clothilde et son Chapeau" by Linda Le Kinff]

Park West Gallery Provides "First-Rate Customer Service"

Dear Park West Gallery...

"I have traveled many times on Carnival, the last being to Europe on the Carnival Dream. I have so enjoyed your art auctions. In fact I have purchased many pieces by Tarkay. I fell in love with his paintings on my first cruise. Your staff each time were very informative and helpful.

I look forward to cruising again and perhaps purchasing another Tarkay. I have also purchased a few other artists as well."

Teresa S.

Bensalem, Pennsylvania

"Violet Respite" by Itzchak Tarkay | Park West Gallery Collection

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"Thank you so much for all of the extra effort in getting our painting for us. We really appreciate your first-rate customer service in working with us! You and your company have really set the bar high for working with great customer service. 

Thanks again!"

Andy and Carla C.

Elkader, Iowa

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"We were lucky enough to attend the VIP reception aboard the Epic, October 2. Dayne and I would like to tell you how much we enjoyed the entire trip, from Hotel Victor, to meeting the artists, to viewing art we might never have been able to see.

Thank you for allowing us this privilege. We hope we will be invited to another VIP event again."

Sally C.

Jensen Beach, Florida

Compliments for Park West Gallery Cruise Art Auction Staff

Itzchak Tarkay "Rhonda #50"
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"We wish to compliment your Park West at Sea auctioneer and staff on board the Carnival Triumph.

We just returned from a cruise out of New Orleans, where we enjoyed our time with your art auctioneer. [He] impressed us with his extensive knowledge of the modern masters, his professional staff, as well as his two very entertaining auctions. We appreciated [his] advice and assistance in selecting a new Tarkay watercolor for our collection.

We look forward to our future interactions with Park West Gallery."

Jeff & Dawn R.

Murphy, Texas

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If you've had a memorable experience at a Park West cruise art auction, a Park West land event, or bought artwork through Park West Gallery in Southfield, Michigan, please send your feedback to custsvc@parkwestgallery.com for a chance to be featured on the Park West Customer Reviews Blog.

Park West Gallery Impresses Cruise Art Auction Attendees

Anatole Krasnyansky "Serenade II"
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"...I can only say that your gallery delivers to its word 100% and I will have every confidence if any future dealings we may have with Park West Gallery. Thank you for the assistance you and the gallery extended to me on this occasion.

I would recommend your service to any person with complete confidence and on our next cruise, we will be keen to purchase artwork and relate our dealings with you as indication of your integrity and professionalism as art dealers."

Mike R.

Brisbane, Australia
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Dear Park West Gallery,

"My husband and I want you to know how impressed we were with your staff aboard the Carnival Pride. We recently returned from our 8th cruise and typically attend one art event. While we are not art collectors, we have purchased a few items over the years. This time we were pleasantly surprised with your staff and attended several art events.

We found your auctioneer, to be very intelligent, knowledgeable, professional, courteous and pleasant. [The auctioneer] was extremely helpful in explaining the art you sell. We consider [her] to be a tremendous asset to your company and a rising star!"

Heidi A.

Alexandria, Virginia

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If you've had a memorable experience at a Park West cruise art auction, a Park West land event, or bought artwork through Park West Gallery in Southfield, Michigan, please send your feedback to custsvc@parkwestgallery.com for a chance to be featured on the Park West Customer Reviews Blog.