Park West Gallery Sparks NCL Cruise Traveler's Interest in Art

Dear Park West Gallery,

"I recently took a cruise on the Norwegian Epic. My son gave me this trip for my birthday, Mother's Day and retirement present, as I was a Chicago Police Officer for 25 yrs. I have since moved to Sebring, FL.

I’ve never had any interest in the arts ever, so I had no plans to go to the art auction at all. This was until I received an invite to the auction promising me a free work of art for my birthday if I attended one of the auctions. Typical female, if it’s free, I’m there.

As I walked through all the artworks on display, I was approached by one of your auctioneers. I was captivated by his words as he spoke to me about some of the works and artists I was looking at. I was stunned as in those few minutes he aroused in me a thirst for more knowledge on the subject. His enthusiasm was electrifying and contagious as he spoke and people gathered around me to hear what he had to say. Some asked questions about the art and one asked him for pricing on some of the pieces on display. To say he was extremely informative is an understatement.

Later in the cruise, I saw this same auctioneer standing by a Picasso outside the Headliner's Club. They were hosting a competition where we had to guess the price of that piece. By the way, my guess was way off!! There were about eight people gathered around him listening to his every word. I joined to listen and others followed suit.

He was so informative about that piece and how it came to be, why it was signed and the significance of that signature. Every one of us was spellbound by his passion for the arts. None of us wanted to leave. Many questions were asked of him and he really made an impression on all of us there. His attention to details is astounding.

I later saw some of those people at the next auction. He even remembered some of our names. Although I’d never ever had an interest in art at all until then, his enthusiasm was such that these were definitely some of the highlights of my cruise and one of the reasons why I’ll be cruising on Norwegian again to hear more and next time, I plan to budget for the auctions onboard.

After the cruise I actually went to a ‘showing’ at the Art Gallery in Sebring & became a member, all because of the new found interest for the arts that I now have.

Thank you for having such awesome personnel. Your team on the NCL Epic is an asset to your company."

Magali M.

Sebring, Florida

Park West Gallery Auctioneer Goes “Extra Mile” for Customer

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To Whom It May Concern:

Fanch Ledan
New York Moonscape
Park West Gallery Collection

My husband, Robert and I have been Park West Gallery art collectors for a number of years and have dealt with different auctioneers on the different cruise lines. Recently we took a trip on Carnival's Paradise ship the week of July 13, 2010 and I can honestly say that Michael V. is by far the best auctioneer that we have encountered working for Park West Gallery. You always expect the auctioneer to be knowledgeable about the artist and art work he is exhibiting. I attended both auctions at sea and Michael went above and beyond to make sure all the attendees were familiar with the artist and his artwork. What was different about Michael's style was that he came across as very genuine and sincere. He was truly interested in not only selling art but in making sure that everyone was enjoying themselves and leaving the auction happy. Where his efforts truly stood out was in how he handled my art purchase on this cruise. I felt he truly extended himself to go above and beyond what was expected in the sale of my art work. Michael truly went the extra mile and is to be commended by Park West Gallery for being such a dedicated and knowledgeable employee. I hope to see deal with him again on another cruise and purchase more art work!

Sincerely,

Linda S.

Coral Springs, FL

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Related Links:

Learn about Park West Gallery Artists
View artwork from the Park West Gallery Collection

Happy Customers Thank Park West Gallery for Their Experience

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Spirit of Ecstasy II
Peter Nixon
Park West Gallery Collection

I was on the (RCI Independence) cruise and I must say it was the best cruise we ever took. Sales and auctioneers were fabulous. They actually treated us like we were royalty. We have been to a lot of your auctions and yes, they are all good but we must say this was beyond the best we have ever experienced. Every single detail that they planned for us was unbelievable - right down to the little things. I would buy art from (Park West Gallery) anytime. We are looking forward to our next Park West Gallery VIP auction. Thanks have to be given where they are deserved.  Thank you again, and looking forward to seeing you again.

Ken & Gwendy K.

Glen Burnie, Md

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South Beach
Alexander Chen
Park West Gallery Collection

Just wanted you to know that I had a great time at my first Park West Gallery art auction (Carnival Freedom May 28th, 2010).  I have been on over 50 cruises in over 30 years and always saw (Park West Gallery auctions) but never attended. I stumbled into one afternoon, spent $10,000, and had a great time. Now I’m just waiting for all my art to arrive so I can go on another cruise and buy something else to put on my wall to enjoy.

Greg W.

Huntsville, AL

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Related Links:

• Learn about Park West Gallery Artists
• View artwork from the Park West Gallery Collection

Customer Thanks Park West Gallery for Memorable Cruise and Rembrandt House Tour

Dear Marc:

Thank you so much for your letter thanking me and Tom for joining you on Celebrity Constellation VIP Baltic cruise. My goodness! I should be thanking you, Morry, Se’belle and your entire staff for inviting us and for showing us such a wonderful, memorable time in the Baltic.

You mentioned being a fan of Peter Nixon’s work, as am I. I had the privilege of meeting him on a Park West Gallery Mexican Riviera VIP cruise in 2009, and had the winning bid on his “Mosaic Horse II” original painting on this Baltic cruise.

The Artist's Mother with her Hand on her Chest
Rembrandt Van Rijn
Park West Gallery Collection

My favorite master has to be Rembrandt. I am the proud owner of a lifetime etching as well as a piece from the Millennium series, both purchased at Park West Gallery events. This was my first visit to Rembrandt’s home, and when I saw an etching that is hanging on my wall – from Park West Gallery - hanging on the wall of (Rembrandt’s) home, I was so overcome that I literally showed it to everyone I could find including, but not limited to, Jason, Laura, Se’belle, and my friend Tom.

I would be remiss if I failed to say how much I enjoy the overall experience of being surrounded by the artwork and artists – and learning – a continuing educational experience – about the works as well as the artists. At times I feel as if I’m back in school learning from Jason’s and others’ expertise.

Again, thank you for all of your consideration and I look forward to seeing you at future events.

Sincerely,

Susan C.
Hudson, FL
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Related Links:

• Park West Gallery Tour of Rembrandt House Museum

• Magic of Rembrandt Paintings Revealed

• View artwork from the Park West Gallery Collection

• Learn about Park West Gallery Artists

Hudson, FL

Cruise Art Auctioneers have Tough yet Amazing Job

The Art Auctioneers maintaining the Park West Galleries on cruise ships around the world lead extraordinary lives. While they do work hard running Park West’s Cruise Art Auctions, they also get to explore all of the exotic locations they find themselves in – all while meeting some fantastic people along the way.

We hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into their activities as much as we do. We also love hearing about your experiences with Park West at sea, so please feel free to share them with us.
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"Since I have joined the Park West Gallery team, I have had some truly amazing experiences. I have sipped espresso in Venice, shopped the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, dove in some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, and met and worked with some truly fantastic people.

These are some of the perks, now here is what it took to get there. I was challenged like I had never have been challenged before. The eighteen hour days, the hours of studying, the fear of not being chosen, yes, the training was tough, but when I finally took my first ship and banged the hammer on my first sold work, I knew I had found a home.

Yes, we work hard, yes, it’s probably the toughest job you will ever have, but how many jobs can you be in Venice one day and Athens the next? I can’t think of anything else I would rather be doing!"

Chris (Cruise Art Auctioneer)
Orlando, FL
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Related Links:

• More Park West Gallery Customer Testimonials



• Learn about Park West Artists



• View artwork from the Park West Collection

Art Auctioneer Enjoys Working with Park West

The Art Auctioneers maintaining the Park West Galleries on cruise ships around the world lead extraordinary lives. While they do work hard running Park West’s Cruise Art Auctions, they also get to explore all of the exotic locations they find themselves in – all while meeting some fantastic people along the way.

We hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into their activities as much as we do. We also love hearing about your experiences with Park West at sea, so please feel free to share them with us.
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"Without question one of the best career decisions I ever made was to work with Park West as an Art Auctioneer. I am an American and I was raised in Mission Viejo, California. When I was young I never got to travel further than Arizona. Everyone dreams of having that great jet-setting job traveling the world earning tons of money. When I finally decided to become an Art Auctioneer on a cruise ship I had no idea what I was getting myself into. I was scared because I knew very little about art; actually all I knew for sure was that this job was like nothing else I had ever encountered.

The training shore side was intense, and the first four months on the job was a blur. As an Associate Art Auctioneer it was all about hard work and dedication, and you are constantly learning new things. Everything you do is preparation for the final phase: to become a Principal Art Auctioneer on your own cruise ship.

Needless to say at some point pretty early on in the job I found myself typing away on Facebook on a Tuesday during a day off in port. One of my old friends was chatting with me while on a break in their cubicle at their 9-5 job. They asked me where I was, what I was doing, and what this new job was that I had gotten myself into. I told them that I was on Cozumel Island in Mexico at a beach resort. I was lounging by a pool drinking cheap Coronas at No Name Bar (trust me, you will love it when you get there) after spending the morning SCUBA diving on some of the world’s best reefs. My new girlfriend from Sweden was sitting next to me and she was chatting with other shipboard friends from England and South Africa and Romania and Thailand. I was an art auctioneer / art dealer representing the world’s largest art dealer and I live and work on cruise ships all over the world.

My friend of course quickly replied “lol – what are you really doing.” I think it was at that point that it hit me. I had found that dream job.

Working with Park West takes a lot of determination, hard work, creativity, people skills and a can do attitude. There are plenty of easy and fun days when the ship is in port and plenty of long hard days when the ship is at sea. The work is hard but the rewards are huge. This is not a 9-5 office job – you wake up in a new country every morning. You live for free on a luxury cruise line and have friends from all over the world. You have the opportunity and privilege to work with world class original artwork from some of the world’s greatest living artists and even some of art history’s greatest masters. The first time you ever pick up a 300+ year old Rembrandt your heart races; then it races even more when it sells to an excited client. You work with fun and happy guests who are on vacation and you can educate them and enrich their lives. You are part of a very strong team made up of top of their game outgoing go-getters who are wonderful to work with and call your friends.

Working with Park West is the best move I have ever made in my life, and I cannot wait to see what the next 5 years have in store for me, because somehow it just keeps getting better."

Art Auctioneer Jason
Fort Lauderdale, FL
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Related Links:

• Park West Gallery Customer Testimonials



• Learn about Park West Artists



• View artwork from the Park West Collection

An Outstanding Cruise with Park West at Sea

We strive to make all of your experiences with Park West at sea enriching and enjoyable. In addition to experiencing the Park West Gallery Art Collection and the Park West artists, it is our hope that you will also meet wonderful new friends along the way. Please keep sharing your latest Park West stories with us.
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Just a note to say what an outstanding VIP cruise we just returned from---from the efficient planner Jin, to the warm and welcoming VIP team of Jen, Tim, and Sebelle, led by Tom, to the incredibly knowledgeable art historian, Travas, it was a first-class experience.

The team took care of our every need, made us all feel special, and most importantly, their love for their work was most evident!

You have assembled a top-rate team who made my husband and me feel like family---we hope to sail with them again.

Thanks for such a wonderful cruise!

Donna H.
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Related Links:

• More Park West Gallery Customer Testimonials



• Learn about Park West Artists



• View artwork from the Park West Collection

Art Auctioneer Provides Excellent Art Auctions

Park West Gallery prides itself on working with some of the finest art auctioneers around. We love hearing about how fantastic your experiences were with the art auctioneers you encountered during the onboard cruise art auctions. Whether you’ve started your own Park West art collection, or just decided to check out the art auctions briefly, we appreciate any feedback you provide.
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"We think it noteworthy to let you know that we were cruising on a Carnival vessel from 9/3 through 9/7/09. We have sailed on many cruises on many different vessels where you are represented and found both art auctioneer Shawn and Justin to be the best we have encountered thus far.

Shawn was extremely professional as well as being such a crowd-pleaser. And Justin was a delight. Comments overheard by us at the auctions were so favorable and especially from repeat guests.

We have purchased art from you on prior cruises and were not inclined this time although friends did. I am sure you hear your share of complaints and just want you to hear the "raves" as well.

What a delight this duo is!!!"

Barbara O. & Seymour T.
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Related Links:

• More Park West Gallery Customer Testimonials



• Learn about Park West Artists



• View artwork from the Park West Collection

We will be lifetime Park West customers…

"We recently cruised on the Carnival Fantasy and were very impressed with the staff of Park West. Lindie and Erin spent hours answering questions, educating us, and helping us decide how to begin our collection. Yasser not only spent a great deal of time running to and from lockers to bring us new pieces to look at, but his dedication and commitment went beyond anything we could ask or expect.

He volunteered to give up his personal time on disembark day to help us get our carry off items to fed ex. He waited in line with us through customs, carried the items to the taxi and even rode with us to make sure we got everything shipped alright. The first fed ex couldn't help us because the paintings were too big, so Yasser walked the 9 blocks with us to the bigger store weighted down with 6 paintings. He then helped us find a cab and made sure we got off to the airport okay.

I was so touched that a "stranger" that we'd known for only a couple of days would be so kind and genuine that it brought tears to my eyes. He wanted and asked for nothing in exchange for this tremendous act of kindness. We are very pleased and satisfied with our artwork, but what made the purchase even more memorable is the personal care and compassion that we received from this remarkable young man. There is no way that my husband and I could have done it without him.

Park West has hit the jackpot with the staff aboard the Carnival Fantasy. Lindie, Erin and Yasser all three deserve a pat on the back. I am certain that I will remember the kindness and support that your staff provided for many years to come. The combination of the quality of art, fair prices and tremendous customer service has insured that we will be lifetime Park West customers. Keep up the great work and don't let those staff members get away!"

Jody D.
Ozark, MO

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Related Links:

• Learn about Park West Gallery Artists



• View the Park West Gallery Art Collection