Special Thanks to Park West Gallery Customer Service

"Heart" by Peter Max
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"I do not know how to thank you for your assistance.

It has been so long since anyone has given customer assistance like this that it is unusual when it shouldn't be. I am actually overwhelmed. I believed this level of concern for a customer's needs was extinct.

You should be very proud of yourself. This is an attribute that will grant you great things in life.

I can't thank you enough and special thanks for making this experience as great as all those I have had with Park West Gallery."

Sincerely,

Paul W.

Los Angeles, California

Very Impressed with Park West Gallery

"Road Runner II" by Warner Bros. Studio
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"The Road Runner cel arrived a few minutes ago - packed beautifully, well framed and in perfect condition.

I truly appreciate your shipment updates and letting me know that the paperwork is being sent separately. I'm excited the other pieces will be here soon.

Very impressed how professionally and efficiently Park West Gallery handles everything!"

Thanks again,

Deb V.

Coeur D Alene, Idaho

Cruisers Enjoy the Park West Gallery Experience

"Potpourri of Colors" by Dominic Pangborn
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Mr. Scaglione,

"I wanted you to know about the great time my family and I had recently on the NCL Jewel. [The art auctioneer] did an excellent job as host of the VIP experience. From the moment of our invitation, the visit to Peter Max's studio, meeting Dominic Pangborn to the last meal with the other attendees, his thoughtfulness and attention to detail were appreciated.

We've been customers of Park West Gallery for many years and have always enjoyed our artwork as well as the Park West experience. The art around our home brightens and inspires us all. We are all now looking forward to hanging our 3 new Pangborns.

I believe that one of the things that sets your company apart is the apparent family atmosphere we feel. Not only amongst your employees on board (which was top notch), but the fact that my children were welcomed so warmly by [the art auctioneer] and his team. We had several special moments throughout the event. Of particular note was meeting Dominic and seeing him take the time to sit with our daughter and discuss art - that meant a lot to us.

I thought you should hear directly from one of your happy customers about the wonderful experience my family had with [the art auctioneer], his team and the other folks who attended the event. It was something that [we] will be talking about for many years. I look forward to the day where I can meet you and share other great experiences we've had with Park West Gallery."

Al M.

Fanwood, New Jersey

Thank You Park West Gallery Cruise Art Auction Team!

"Harbor's Edge" by Itzchak Tarkay
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"Recently while on a cruise aboard Norwegian Jewel out of New York we attended several seminars/auctions which were conducted by [your art auctioneers] along with their support staff. We wish them to be recognized for their professional informative seminars and maintaining a lively atmosphere during the auctions along with their congenial interaction with the individuals in attendance. We are confident that you will concur that good representative performance deserves to be recognized." 

Inez N.

Stratford, Connecticut

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"I want to write to thank you and the team on Norwegian Epic for the great time I have at the various art auctions and the VIP Gallery Tour. This was my first cruise and I did not know what to expect; little did I know I would gain so much knowledge attending the art auction and have such a wonderful time. I even won the 'Guess the price of a Picasso' competition. I left with new art for myself and my friends and I am very very content. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!"

Lisa T.

Hong Kong, China

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"Thank you so very much for all your help in making our cruise such a wonderful and memorable trip. It was a pleasure meeting the artists and sharing dinner with Tim Yanke. He truly added to all our 'fun'. [Your staff] was so very helpful and efficient with all our reservation needs, promptly answering all emails. You certainly have a fabulous team and it is proven by the professionalism and yet personal touches extended by all. Hope to be able to meet up with your team and our 'Mouly' friends on a future endeavor with Park West Galleries."

Cathy & David P.
Bay Harbor, Michigan

Park West Gallery Impressed Me to the MAX!

"Flag with Heart Ver. XXIII #21" by Peter Max
Park West Gallery Collection, ©Peter Max 2011

Dear Park West Gallery,

"Now that the holidays are over I would like to express to you that the cruise my girlfriend Linda & I were so fortunate to take was FABULOUS!!!

Never have I been treated so royally on a cruise. From the moment we arrived at the Hotel in NYC to the moment we disembarked off the ship, the experience was extremely enjoyable.

Visiting with Peter Max was the highlight of my trip! I enjoy his works immensely & have a few and to meet him in person was such a treat I cannot explain to you! The dinner afterwards was the Best! The food and company was fantastic! Being able to roam around the city in the morning of the cruise gave me a new outlook of the city and being nearby Bryant Park at that time of the year was very nice. Watching the skaters and visiting through the shops before Christmas enabled me to do some great shopping for the holidays.

As for the cruise itself, what can I say?! Your planning and diversity of the artworks and artists blew me away! I learned so very much and was able to enjoy every minute of your hard work. My time spent with fellow art lovers allowed me to appreciate the cruise even more.

I will cut this short because I could ramble on and on about what a Grand time I had! I would just like to tell you how much I appreciated the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful cruise!

Congratulations on a job Extremely Well Done! Your definitely impressed me to the Max! (Ha! pun intended.)"

Dominica B.

Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey

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

Art Collectors: Park West Gallery Treats Us Like Family

At a recent Park West Gallery cruise art auction, we asked VIP customers to share their Park West experiences with us.

Here's what they had to say . . .

Watch more exclusive videos featuring your favorite artists at the Park West Gallery YouTube Channel.

Park West Gallery Offers Something for Everyone

At a recent art auction event at Park West Gallery, we asked our customers to share their Park West experience with us. Here's what they had to say . . .

Watch more exclusive videos featuring your favorite artists at the Park West Gallery YouTube Channel.

First Time Collectors Enjoy Park West Gallery

Cruise Ship Art Auctioneers strive to make cruising with Park West at sea an enjoyable, exciting experience for all. It is always wonderful to hear about someone’s first experiences with the Park West Gallery Fine Art Collection – and of course we love hearing from our seasoned collectors as well!
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Art Auctioneer Catherine turned my nephew onto artwork. He left the cruise ship with 3 pieces of small artwork, which was all he could afford at the time.

Both, he and I, loved the work of MARCUS GLENN, even though we just could not afford anything at the time that his work was on display.

Catherine was informative and attentive to my nephew's curiosity. We hope to make future purchases thru Park West when we go on our next cruise.

Thank you,

Enid & Adam
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Related Links:

• More Park West Gallery Customer Testimonials



• Learn about Park West Artists



• View artwork from the Park West Collection

Get the Latest Art News from Park West Gallery

Attention Park West Gallery Newsletter fans,
ISSUE 12: AUGUST 2009 is here!


Issue 12 features include:

• Park West Gallery Receives Best of Southfield Award


• Park West Gallery Judges 2009 American Art Awards


• Peter Nixon’s Goddesses of the Moon


• Simon Bull Unveils Tribute to Michael Jackson


• Dali and Disney: The Art and Animation of Destino

READ ISSUE 12: AUGUST 2009 >>

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Related Links:

• To receive your FREE subscription to the Park West Gallery newsletter, email pwgnews@parkwestgallery.com


• Have you missed past issues of the Park West Gallery newsletter? Visit our online catalog at parkwestnews.com

Share your feedback or ideas for upcoming newsletter issues by leaving a comment below!

Park West Re-Launches Picasso Website

Website features expanded information and imagery of the 347 Series, La Celestine, and Suite Vollard artwork

PARK WEST GALLERY is pleased to announce the re-launch of its Pablo Picasso Website. The site includes expanded information about Picasso's 347 Series and the La Celestine images. Additionally, more imagery of Picasso's 347 Series and Suite Vollard has been posted.

The 347 Series is a compilation of 347 etchings, engraving and drypoints and represents one of the last great collections of Picasso graphic works. The entire series was created in only seven months (from March 16 - October 5, 1968) and was part of Picasso's historic battle against the wave of conceptual and theoretical "art" that was the rage in avant-garde circles in the late 1960’s.

Sixty-six of the 347 images were created for a small folio called Tales of Celestine, which explored Picasso’s fascination with the character of Celestina from the Tragicomedia de Calisto y Melibea (Book of Calisto and Melibea and the Old Whore Celestina), a novel published in 1499 by Fernando de Rojas.

Suite Vollard is 100 etchings created by Picasso between 1930 and 1937 and was one of Ambroise Vollard's most impressive undertakings. Ambroise Vollard, while relatively unknown in his day, has come to be recognized as one of the greatest art dealers and publishers of the 20th century. Over the years, history has vindicated Vollard's artistic instinct and his championship of once controversial painters, including Cézanne, Renoir, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Rousseau, Rouault, and Picasso.

Visit picasso.parkwestgallery.com to view Park West's latest updates and learn more about Master Artist Pablo Picasso.

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Picasso once asked, “Who sees the human face correctly: the photographer, the mirror, or the painter?” What do you think and why? Share your ideas here!

Related Links:

• View Picasso artwork selections from the Park West Gallery collection sales.parkwestgallery.com



• Visit the Park West Gallery - Rembrandt van Rijn website http://rembrandt.parkwestgallery.com/



• Visit the Park West Gallery - Salvador Dali website dali.parkwestgallery.com

Making Sense of Thomas Kinkade

MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT - The Middlebury College Museum of Art presents Making Sense of Thomas Kinkade, an exhibition about the enormously successful but controversial contemporary landscape painter. The exhibit is currently on view through August 9, 2009.


It is easy to dismiss the work of Thomas Kinkade as kitsch and brush aside his popular success as only a marketing phenomenon, but to do so ignores his sincere zeal and the deep resonance his pictures have with huge numbers of people. While an appreciative audience of millions is not a sure sign of aesthetic quality or profundity, the wide appeal of Kinkade's art indicates that he has tapped into powerful personal and cultural longings. In other words, whether his work is good or not, it is telling.

The exhibit considers works by Kinkade along side paintings by Thomas Hill (1829-1908) and Norman Rockwell (1894-1978), two artists he greatly admires, as well as America's Most Wanted, a 1993 landscape print by Vitaly Komar (born 1934) and Alex Melamid (born 1945), that aims to distill into a single work the artistic preferences of a random sample of American adults.

Kinkade's images are consistent with popular preferences in art, but what's more his work is deliberately based on a relevant, respectable artistic heritage. He has reshaped and updated the tradition of Romantic landscape painting in particular and consistent ways to create his nostalgic, sentimental confections. Consistently running through the art that has most influenced Kinkade is a search for relief from the pressures and shortcomings of modern life.

Kinkade's own work may be popular because it is uplifting and painless, but it is not without content. His fantasy alternative existence consists of a tranquil domestic setting in a timeless but nonindustrial world free of social and psychological tensions. His images offer daydream relief from real, serious social and cultural stresses. This redress, however, occurs mostly in wistful imagination rather than in action, and thus Kinkade's pictures help viewers to adapt to a life out of balance with their ideals instead of working toward reconciling conflicting desires in practice.

Kinkade's trademarked tagline is "The Painter of Light" and indeed light is a crucial element of his images. His luminous skies are a standard Romantic convention for suggesting a divine presence permeating nature. Unique to Kinkade's work, as in his painting Hometown Morning, is a bright warm golden light blazing out improbably from every single window of his cozy dwellings.

"I paint glowing windows," notes Kinkade, "because glowing windows say home to me. Glowing windows say welcome. They say all is well. They say that someone's waiting, someone cares enough to turn a light on."

Some pictures show paradise already obtained, or nearly so, which encourages viewers to use them as sedatives, not spurs to soul searching. Kinkade, however, hopes for more. He consciously offers his works as a remedy for psychological and more broadly cultural malaise. Other pictures are invitations to wander, but in their picturesque sweetness and lack of incident and turmoil they assure a safe and happy trip. In this way, Kinkade pictures are like bourgeois vacations: an adventure of sorts, but not dangerous, complete with comforts, replicating one's daily existence at home without its cares and shortcomings but with more novelty and whimsy. [Source: http://www.tfaoi.com/aa/9aa/9aa67.htm]

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Related Links:

• For more information on Making Sense of Thomas Kinkade, visit museum.middlebury.edu



• Visit Park West Gallery's website dedicated to artist Thomas Kinkade and his artwork http://www.parkwest-kinkade.com/default.asp



• Recent news about "The Painter of Light" parkwestgallery.wordpress.com/category/artists-special-collections/thomas-kinkade/

What are your thoughts about the artwork of "The Painter of Light," Thomas Kinkade? Share your comments here!

Happy Easter!

From the Park West Gallery family to yours, Happy Easter!!

Thay Thumpin' Nice by David Willardson

Dear Park West Gallery

We have totally enjoyed the Park West experience. Specifically, the seminars on the cruise ships have raised our interest and knowledge and have created a love of art in both my husband and I. We plan, in about 10 years, to apply for an auctioneer position on a cruise ship and share our passion with others who are like we used to be; uncaring and unknowing about the beauty and intrigue of art.

One more instance we would like to thank Park West for: My parents joined us for a cruise on the NCL Spirit. I bought my mother a Brodinsky landscape. She picked out a frame and I paid. She lives in US, I live in Canada. Unfortunately, the invoice failed to include the frame she picked. I was unaware of the problem until a few months after when she still hadn't received her framed print. Park West figured out what had happened and fixed it for her. She has the framed print above her fireplace. I am so impressed! It was for her 60th birthday. Thank you for making her happy!

We are Park West customers for life. Nice way to run a business! We hope to become part of your team when our kids are grown and our art knowledge is more comprehensive.

Angela V.
Alberta, Canada / March 25, 2009

Park West Auctions: A Great Art Experience

"Dear Park West Gallery:

Recently we were invited to a VIP cruise event aboard Freedom of the Seas. We had an excellent week and very much appreciated the invitation. The Park West personnel were outstanding and very professional in seeing that all their guests had a great art experience (in addition to a very nice vacation week).

Meeting Noah Elias, Tim Yanke, and Marcus Glenn was really a great privilege. Watching Noah and Tim paint was a true honor. Thank you for that experience.

As expected, Royal Caribbean was great and the ship is a real beauty. We had a wonderful time – and are now on diets!

The Park West staff was superb. We can’t say enough. You have excellent people doing the job! Keep up the good work.

Thank you again."

Marla & Spencer
Cicero, Indiana

Customer Corner

We just wanted to drop you this quick note to say how thoroughly pleased we were with the Park West Gallery - Freedom of the Seas VIP Cruise. Throughout the week, we were completely pampered, entertained, and educated well beyond our expectations. We collected art from artists we got to know and appreciate. And we even made new art collecting friends. Everyone, without exception, from Park West Gallery contributed to making this a successful event. Thank you so much for including us in this program.

Lesley & David N.
Miami, Florida

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THANK YOU PARK WEST!!! We had a wonderful time on the cruise - you were all so helpful and such gracious hosts. The artists were fun, down to earth people we could really communicate with which helped to open our eyes into their "painting" world. Thank you again for a spectacular time. Hope to see you again soon.

Mike & Janette W.
Tampa, Florida

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I felt compelled to write and thank you for making this cruise a very memorable one. I would think many individuals don’t understand what exactly has to happen to pull something like this off. From coordinating the artwork presentation/education, reserving multiple meeting areas, as well as being receptive and cognizant to all the various individual needs of each client, I felt every single detail was orchestrated and managed with the utmost proficiency and professionalism.

Having the ability to meet, talk with, and spend quality time with the artists is a remarkable and memorable experience. This is a great concept and opportunity by having the artists interact with the buyers, it makes the artwork become more meaningful to the new owner. This is certainly a noteworthy idea.

I would again like to thank you for making this experience a fantastic one. You did a GREAT JOB!

Patrick & Nathalie R.
Fort Myers, Florida

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I want to thank you for the beautiful cruise (Norwegian Jewel to S. Caribbean) in January and the wonderful art extravaganza. You all made it a memorable trip I just received my first Fanch seriolithograph which is hanging in my living room and reminds me of many happy memories.

Winter is still hanging on in Wisconsin, you are so fortunate to enjoy the sunshine in your many ports of call. I send my warm greetings to all of you and again thank you for a wonderful cruise.

Lauren P.
Delavan, Wisconsin

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If you're reading this while with Marko [Mavrovich], please thank him again for the wonderful time we had with him. I still can't believe that we now have met the artist we "fell in love with first" as we began our art collecting adventure in April 2002. When we got that piece -- Field of Dreams -- we never imagined that we would meet him one day.

We look forward to seeing you again.

Tim & Roberta G.
Commerce City, Colorado

Park West Gallery Blog Poll #3: The Results

Thank you to all who participated in Park West Gallery's Blog Poll #3!

Question: If you were renowned as a “master artist”, in which medium would your skills be recognized?

Here are the results:

Oil Painting = 37%

Drawing/Sketching = 20%

Acrylic Painting = 19%

Watercolor Painting = 12%

Sculpture = 12%

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Be sure to vote in this week's poll:

Question: I typically collect artwork from...?

• Art Galleries
• Art Auctions
• Internet Websites
• Flea Markets/Garage Sales
• Art Fairs

Voting ends Tuesday, March 17 at 9am EST

Park West Gallery in Detroit Free Press: Dick Purtan's Radiothon

Purtan gears up for Radiothon

COMPILED BY B.J. HAMMERSTEIN • DETROIT.METROMIX.COM EDITOR

[Excerpt from The Detroit Free Press, February 27, 2009]

Kicking off at 6 a.m. today and concluding at 10 tonight is Dick Purtan’s 22nd annual Radiothon. It benefits the Salvation Army’s Bed and Bread Club, a program that targets Detroit’s homeless and hungry people through shelters, feeding centers, after-school programs and mobile services.

The “Morning Show with Purtan’s People” host explains that the fund-raiser has raised about $2.3 million over the past two years. When listeners make a contribution of $120 — which can be done in a variety of payment plans — one person will be supplied with meals for a year.

People who contribute $240 (which would feed two people for a year) receive a commemorative art print by Park West Galleries, matted and signed by Dick Purtan, and the 3D animated short “Harrison’s First Day.”

“This is no baloney. Despite the tough economy our community is exceptional and very giving,” Purtan says...Read More

2009 Park West Gallery Spring Sale is Here!

Peruse selections from the Park West Gallery Spring Collection or view our Sale Brochure for a complete listing of all sale pieces.

For pricing, call 800.521.9654 x 4 or

email to have a Gallery representative contact you

Love is in the Air

Valentine's Day is less than one week away! Don't have a *heART* attack over what to buy your sweetie. We *heart* artwork and we know your loved ones will too!

For more information or to purchase any of the images below please click here or call Park West Gallery sales @ 800.521.9654 x 4.

Image list from left to right, top to bottom:

Playful Heart II by Simon Bull; Playful Heart I by Simon Bull; A Heart for Home IV by Simon Bull; It's Raining Hearts by Alfred Gockel; My Heart's Melody by Alfred Gockel; Heart Encounter #1 by Dominic Pangborn; Crazy Heart III by Dominic Pangborn; Tappin' the Keys for Love by Marcus Glenn; Have a Heart (Featuring Piano) by Marcus Glenn