What Park West galleries bring to cruise ships
Many people walk by the company's galleries without knowing what they're looking at.
Have you ever been on a cruise and wondered what those Park West art auction all about? Is it only for art fanatics who have been collecting their whole lives? Does it cost a fortune to buy a piece of artwork?
The answer is: not necessarily.
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Imagine you are on a cruise ship, it’s a sea day, and you are ready to check out your first art auction. You are a little tired from two port days exploring new destinations. You sit in the back because you expect to be more of an observer.
The auctioneer explains how it all works. He gives you a bit of time to walk around, sip your complimentary champagne, and take stock of the art in the room.
You sit down and his crew members bring out a piece of art from Peter Max, (best known for his consulting work with the Beatles) he says, “going once, going twice, sold to bid card number 151 for $7,500.”
He slams his gavel down, and it’s a done deal! Then a Jean-Claude Picot piece comes out, and then another. The auctioneer cracks a joke and then begins the bidding at $190 for both!
Next, Park West reveals its mystery program.
He explains how it works. He tells you the set price. There are 6 pieces to choose from in this mystery program. You can choose one or two or all of them. He then shouts, “on a count of 3 tell my team to turn it around!” And then, the art is revealed.
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Park West Gallery in Action
As you approach the gallery a Park West employee will greet you and provide you with a bid card with raffle tickets.
Don’t worry, you won’t be committed to anything. You will want to hold onto your bid card regardless if you buy or not. Your bid card number may even be called for some free prizes.
The auctioneers and their crew make every attempt to make it a fun and inclusive experience for all, even if you are a novice to the art world.
During the auction they not only explain the art, they walk through the purchase process. Each auction is basically an art class where passengers learn a lot about art even if they don't make a purchase.
(Park West is a paid advertiser with Come Cruise With Me).
Park West offers artwork for everyone
The gallery’s works of art range from the classics — Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali to more contemporary artists such as Michael Godard, known as the rockstar of the art world, and Romero Britto, the official Miami artist.
Some of their artworks are sold for thousands of dollars. For example, last month a Picasso sold for $20,000 on Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas and 5 Peter Max’s serigraphy’s (a painting method involving silk sheets) were purchased on Allure of the Seas.
The most expensive piece of artwork on Celebrity’s Apex, currently is one of Michael Godard’s original works of art, entitled "X Marks the Spot," that sells for around $130,000.
I have purchased a few embellished pieces out of 200, where the artist hand signs the painting, and some areas have brushstrokes added for around $500. I have also purchased a couple of Warner Brothers lithographs for around $50.
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Park West makes it quite easy to enjoy learning and getting excited about artwork.
It is fun to purchase art that is meaningful, exciting or just pretty. Doing this on a cruise ship is even more intriguing.
The acquired artwork comes with a lot of memories. When I look at my artwork, I think a lot about the cruise and what I have learned about the artists and the paintings themselves. I have a sense of pride that I was able to collect something that I enjoy having on my walls and have a story to tell behind each piece.
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