Park West Gallery Took Our Art Collection to the Next Level

"Elizabeth" by Nano Lopez
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"Connie and I just wanted to say 'Thank You' to you and all the Park West Gallery VIP staff for a wonderful experience. 

Everything from our hotel room at Gaylord Palms to Opa's to the Cruise was awesome. We really enjoyed all the VIP events on board ship. 

Getting to meet the artists was something that we will not forget, and all of them were just so nice. 

The artwork presented during the cruise was beyond anything we had imaged seeing on board a ship. We went with the intentions of picking up another work from Jacobs or Agam but because of what was presented our 'home gallery,' as we like to call it, was taken to the next level. 

Again, thank you and we would love to be included in another VIP cruise in the future."

JIM & CONNIE M.

Ormond Beach, Florida

Igniting Interest in Art

"Verde Fiesta I" by David Schluss
Park West Gallery Collection

Dear Park West Gallery,

"I'm a beginning art collector and I met [your auctioneer] on the first day of the cruise. While I was perusing what I thought was the ship's art collection, he introduced himself and I found him to be personable, congenial and polite. 

As we began to talk, he inquired into the level of my art collection/artist and what I like and why. Based on that information, he showed me pieces that I might like. Through his passion and knowledge, he ignited my interest in art. Subsequently, he invited me to attend his mini seminar which I found enjoyable and informative which enticed me to attend the onboard auction. 

I walked around and viewed the pieces and found several pieces to fall in love with. Unfortunately, they were beyond my means. Feeling my disappointment, [the auctioneer] sat down with me and helped me to learn that we should learn to enjoy the larger pieces and collect the smaller ones. 

Through him, I have become reconnected to the wonderful world of art. I feel a special connection to a special person. Thank you for scheduling him in my path and I would hope to see him again."

FANYA J.

Minneola, Florida

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

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 Artists at Sea: Fanch Ledan

Artists are hanging up their brushes and testing their sea legs to launch a program intended to enhance the Celebrity guest’s cruising experience.

By Cassandra,
Cruise Ship Art Auctioneer

Fanch Ledan boarded the Celebrity Constellation with the intention to initiate as much involvement with the guests as possible. His charming French demeanor and his readiness to greet guests assured a sensational first night onboard. Even if they were not previously involved in art, their chance to meet the world renowned artist quickly sparked their interest.

The next day was a live interview with the cruise director. The vision of the artist was discussed and the floor was opened for questions and answers. The intimate crowd was quite enthused to have personal insight to the artist’s world and was eager to hear more.

After the interview came the first auction. A live art auction is always a guaranteed crowd pleaser. When one of the artists is present to comment on his works it becomes a truly electrifying event . Mr. Ledan would humbly inform the crowd of the inspiration and significance behind each work of art -- information that even the most knowledgeable art dealer might be unable to provide. His words narrated a story behind each work and embedded emotional ties into the crowd. Many of these guests soon became Fanch Ledan art collectors.

Over many dinner discussions, the word spread fast throughout the ship that there was a special artist onboard. The gossip was that he was fun, friendly and most of all, approachable. Many guests commented on his amicability and his willingness to discuss his many experiences as an artist. The art gallery was busy for the next few days; mainly with signatures, photo shoots and lengthy conversations.

The second auction was an even bigger hit than the first. By that time, the whole ship had access to the live interview with Fanch, which had been broadcast into all the staterooms during the port days. The artist sailing was the buzz on the ship -- everyone wanted to come and check out the world renowned artist that Park West Gallery had brought to them.

Park West Gallery prides itself on creating a comfortable and informal environment for people to collect fine art. They understand that art collecting has a veneer of elitism and they succeed in actively demolishing that perception. Bringing art to the people is their mission. Bringing the artist that created the art to the people is even more poignant. Celebrity guests, quickly turned art connoisseurs, had a cruise experience of a lifetime. Many of them will forever own a fine work of art that they will be able to enjoy for the rest of their lives. It will always remind them of the great relationships that were built with the artist and the art dealers while they sailed the seas on the Celebrity Constellation.

Park West Gallery Art Auctions at Sea Featured on CNBC

Park West Gallery cruise art auctions were featured on CNBC's new documentary "Cruise Inc. Big Money on the High Seas"!

Show Summary: It's the ultimate getaway... an exclusive look inside the $30-billion cruise industry. Correspondent Peter Greenberg spends seven days aboard the Norwegian Pearl, one of the newest in Norwegian Cruise Line's fleet.

The 15-story floating city is a destination of its own. It's a hotel, a shopping mall, a casino and full-service Spa - sailing the oceans of the world.

Park West Gallery CEO Offers Expert Tips on Art Collecting

Albert Scaglione, CEO of Park West Gallery, is featured in the Spring 2009 issue of Centralight: Central Michigan University Alumni Magazine. In the article entitled Art for All: Gallery Owner Spreads Joy of Appreciation, writer Barbara Sutherland Chovanec spoke to Scaglione about his mission to "make art accessible to everyone" and got his 5 Expert Tips for art collectors.

Scaglione explained, "It's invigorating - the idea that we can get more people exposed to art. Our business model has been to get the art to the people. We very much love to be the people who teach you and introduce you to art."

To help achieve his goal, the founder of Park West Gallery donates significant gifts of artwork to various institutions and universities, including Central Michigan, in order to create what Scaglione calls "living museums."

How to Buy Fine Art: Albert Scaglione, founder and owner of Park West Gallery, offers 5 Expert Tips to help collectors have a positive art-buying experience:

1. Let your own taste drive you. Buy what you like, not what someone else says you should like.
2. Do your research. Find out about the artist, if the price seems logical, whether or not there have been previous owners and where the art has been displayed.
3. Know who you're dealing with - the artist or the company. Be sure the people who are selling your art to you know what they're talking about.
4. Consider an appraiser. They have the resources to do research for you.
5. Enjoy your choice. You should experience joy - an uplifting feeling.

For more information please visit http://www.parkwestgallery.com/

FREE Artwork Offer from Park West Gallery

FREE Seriolithograph : Practice II by Hua Chen

Receive this 9 5/8" x 7" Chen seriolithograph FREE for only $4.95 shipping & handling.

Please call Park West Gallery @ 800.521.9654 x 1290 to take advantage of this special offer.

One per customer / Only $4.95 Shipping & Handling / U.S. residents only / Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery.

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

Park West Gallery Launches New Alex Gockel Website

Park West Gallery continues its 40 year tradition of connecting people with artists and fine art by inviting you to visit our new web site for artist Alfred "Alex" Gockel.

Park West Gallery's Gockel website features a biography of the artist, an online art gallery and video of Gockel at Park West Gallery's 40th Anniversary celebration.

"I like to touch the viewer's soul with my vibrant colors," Gockel has said. "My purpose is to express my joy in life, and to show that we can overcome many obstacles through the expressions of life's beauties."

Explore the new Alfred Gockel website located at http://www.parkwest-gockel.com/

Extra! Extra! Park West Gallery Newsletter - January Issue

Attention Park West Gallery Newsletter fans - the January issue is here!

> CLICK HERE TO READ ISSUE 5

> CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

This month's features include:

• Simon Bull Unveils Painting of Muhammad Ali & Obama,
• Peter Max Reveals Obama painting,
• Social Media News - Join Park West Gallery on Flickr & Twitter,
• Victor Spahn Featured in Univers des Arts Magazine,
• You're Invited! Art Meets Tech at Lawrence Tech,
• Park West Gallery Features Fine Jewelry Collection - Perfect for Valentine's Day!

Artist Peter Max Reveals Painting of Barack Obama - Watch the Video Here!

January 15, 2009/ CBS Early Show -- Artist Peter Max revealed his latest painting, featuring 44 portraits of president-elect Barack Obama.

"What is your feeling as an artist as we come up on to this inauguration time and time of change?" asked CBS reporter, Harry Smith.

Max explained, "Unbelievable, unbelievable. You know that night when he was announced being president and the whole country cried, I was in that same place."

>> Read more about artist Peter Max

>> Visit Park West Gallery to inquire about our collection of exclusive Peter Max artwork available for purchase

Happy Hanukkah from Park West Gallery

From the Park West Gallery family to yours, Happy Hanukkah

Festival by Zamy Steynovitz

Puzzled by Art? Test Your Logic!

Test Your Logic! This weekend, Mary will visit Park West Gallery to take full advantage of the great prices offered by the Winter Sale.

Mary plans to purchase holiday gifts of artwork for five of her friends (Hannah Kah, Kris Maas, Rudolph Rednose, Sandy Clause and Tim Tinsel). Each friend has their personal favorite when it comes to artists but all of them agree on their top five choices (Itzchak Tarkay, Peter Max, Salvador Dali, Scott Jacobs and Thomas Kinkade) and each work of art will be framed in a different color of Mary's choosing (black, brown, gold, mahogany and white).

Every day next week, each of Mary's lucky friends will receive a delivery from Park West Gallery. No two friends will receive artwork by the same artist framed in the same color and no friend will receive artwork by the same artist or in the same frame color more than once next week.

From the information provided, can you complete the chart that has been started below? Wouldn't you like to be friends with Mary?!

Dear Park West Gallery Newsletter Editors

The Park West Gallery Newsletter staff is so appreciative of all of the thoughtful words we receive from our readers. Here are just a few of the kind responses from November's issue and we look forward to publishing even more in upcoming issues!

"I would like to thank you very much for the wonderful display of art that was aboard our ship. We had a lovely time at the auctions and saw the video of Destino, by Salvador Dali. It was beautiful. I watched it twice! I love receiving your newsletters and updates on various artists. We have a few pieces now by a couple of your artists which we love the color in their work. Keep up the great customer service."

Cherie & Malcolm S.
Perth, Washington

"My wife and I have been enjoying Park West Gallery for many years. Our art collection and knowledge has grown tremendously. We look forward to the auctions (on or off cruises) and gatherings, not trying to miss any chance to enjoy the viewing of fine art and learn more about new art and the artists. We have meet quite a few artists and found them all to be very nice, outgoing and down to earth. Thank you Park West for this opportunity. I have the utmost confidence in Park West and look forward ito doing business with you for a long time coming."

Scot and Donna C.
Loves Park, Illinois

"I love your newsletter with its beautiful illustrations and the art. As someone who does not get to visit art galleries in person it is a wonderful and very welcome email. I bought two pieces on a cruise, and thoroughly enjoy them. Keep up the good work. I wish Park West all the best. Happy Holidays to your hardworking staff."

Elma L.
Saint Philip, Barbados

"Thanks so much for the newsletter and Thanksgiving wishes....My father will be thrilled to see his new website. Thank you to the Park West team and especially to Albert for keeping him in high regard as always. The economic situation in the US as well as in Europe has taken a toll on everyone and I am grateful to see that with such a small gesture your Gallery is able to say so much. I think at times we forget that the most important and the most valued aspect of business is interpersonal relations.... and mutual respect. It makes me proud that my father is doing business with people who value him not only as an artist, but also as a human being. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone at Park West, and our warmest regards to Albert and his family."

Rimma K., Anatole Krasnyansky's daughter

"The economy has taken us by surprise but we are looking forward to prosperous times ahead. Art is my great passion and your gallery Park West makes it possible for me to live and enjoy that passion every time I look at my art from Park West Gallery."

Kathryn & Brian L.
Orlando, Florida

Send a letter to the Editor

Park West Gallery Newsletter - December Issue!

Attention Park West Gallery Newsletter fans - the December issue is here!

> CLICK HERE TO READ ISSUE 4

> CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

This month's features include:

• Scott Jacobs participates in covert mission to surprise actor Robert Patrick on the set of the CBS hit show - The Unit,
• New Thomas Kinkade website,
• CEO Albert Scaglione Receives Honorary Doctorate from CMU and Delivers Commencement Speech,
• Romero Britto to exhibit at the Louvre,
• Discover the Fine Art of Freestyle Cruising with Park West Gallery and Norwegian Cruise Line,
• 2008 Porthole Cruise Magazine Reader's Choice Awards

CEO Albert Scaglione Receives Honorary Doctorate from Central Michigan University and Delivers Commencement Speech

Albert Scaglione received an honorary Doctorate of Commercial Science from Central Michigan University (CMU) and delivered the commencement speech to the winter class of graduating seniors whose degrees included; bachelor of applied arts, bachelor of arts, bachelor of fine arts, bachelor of music, bachelor of music education, master of arts, master of fine arts, master of music and master of science in administration.

Albert Scaglione, founder and chief executive officer of Park West Gallery of Southfield, which hosts fine art auctions, spoke to an audience of over 2,000 at the 1:30 pm ceremony on December 13. He inspired students with what he described as "the four C's" of recruiting and relationships for success - calling, character, chemistry and competency. Scaglione also told the graduates about the "importance of having faith and believing in something bigger and more powerful than you." He said it doesn't matter which religion is followed but it's important to have deep faith that can provide some guidance and strength every day and in difficult times.

Albert Scaglione speaking at Central Michigan UniversityScaglione holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. He taught mechanical engineering sciences at Wayne State University and conducted aeronautical research funded by NASA early in his career before deciding to transition into art auctions.

"It is a great honor to be selected by Central Michigan University to speak to graduating seniors and help inspire them to pursue their dreams," said Scaglione. "I also am deeply grateful to receive an honorary degree by one of Michigan's premier educational institutions."

A recent ©Central Michigan Life article reported the sentiments of a couple of CMU seniors. Grand Blanc senior Keith Flewelling expressed his gratitude for the incoming speakers. "It's nice for them to take their time to come here and give us words of wisdom," he said. "It's cool that they're really successful, but at the same time not all people are looking to be CEOs - just happy," he said. Algonac senior Jeff Blevins said the speakers know the skills necessary to become successful after graduation...Read more

Join the Park West Gallery Collectors Club

The Park West Gallery Collectors Club on Facebook recently hit 100 members...and we're still growing!

Visit our club, where you'll find the latest Park West Gallery news and have the opportunity to chat with art enthusiasts from around the globe and share stories and photos.

It only takes a few minutes to join and it's free - so click here to become part of the Park West Gallery Collectors Club today!

A Very Grateful Thank You to Park West Gallery

"I would like to express a very grateful thank you to the Park West personnel on the cruise that we just concluded. They were very helpful, very courteous and just wonderful people to deal with. They spent time answering questions and being very patient. Thank you very much. I will attend future art auctions when Park West is involved."
Joseph D. (Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio)

"I attended all the Park West events aboard Liberty of the Seas in November 2008. I wasn't expecting the whole 'art' thing aboard. Truth is, I checked it out for the free champagne and free artwork, but I was AMAZED at how FUN and INFORMATIVE you made it. That's what kept me going back for each event. I was never much for 'modern' art but I have a deeper appreciation since being a part of the events onboard. The art events really picked me up and MADE MY CRUISE a fun experience in a way I truly wasn't expecting. The coolest part is, coming home after vacation is usually a bit of a downer. But I still have something to look forward to in that the art I purchased is still coming and, since part of it is 'Caribbean-y', it will make a really cool souvenir."
Jackie N. (Pembrook, Ontario)

"I just wanted to thank you for inviting my wife and I to the fabulous VIP cruise. Megan is very competent and knowledgeable and she has a great personality and sense of humor. Ryan is an amazing auctioneer. Tim, Ann Marie and Tom did everything in such a friendly and professional manner. You should be very proud of this crew; we had a great time and we bought even though we hadn't planned on it because of how good they are at their job. As usual we were made to feel that we are VIPs and meeting the artists is an incredible experience. Thanks again for everything, Park West Gallery has greatly enhanced the quality of our life the last couple of years. Best regards to everyone including Albert who I view as the Vollard of our time."
Edmond H. (New York, New York)

"Thank you for your invitation and opportunity to be part of the VIP cruise on the Carnival Pride. Starting with the Beverly Hilton overnight stay get-together, we knew we were in for a fabulous week. We had a wonderful time and met some great fellow art collectors. Your staff, directed by Rob, and his crew of never-ending energetic associates kept us well-informed and gently guided us through our purchases. We added three pieces - Picasso, Miro and Mouly, to our modest Masters collection. We especially enjoyed the visit to Puerto Vallarta. That was truly a special day. It was a beautiful setting with good food, great weather and 'art-to-die for' by Dominic Pangborn. What a treat to meet him in person. We also enjoyed spending time with Marko and Noah while on board."
Rosa B. and Richard H. (Lake Elsinore, California)

Park West Gallery Launches Updated Thomas Kinkade Website

Park West Gallery continues its 40 year tradition of connecting people with artists and fine art by inviting you to visit our new web site for artist Thomas Kinkade. Park West Gallery's updated Kinkade website features a biography of the artist, an online gallery of Kinkade's artwork and video of Kinkade at Park West's 40th Anniversary celebration. Learn about and be fascinated by "The Painter of Light" and his art.

Explore the new Thomas Kinkade website located at http://www.parkwest-kinkade.com/default.asp.