Hi Erin,
 
When we were deciding what to do with my mother's artwork, first we photographed every piece and then properly packed and stored it until the decisions were made. I would have concerns with this artwork you write of, still being in the studio - if there's sunlight and/or other adverse conditions. The artwork has probably deteriorated. I would make this a priority.
 
A legit art dealer should be consulted with for a number of reasons -to locate and broker a deal with interested parties including an auction house; to valuate the artwork and studio; or the dealer can purchase the estate artwork in it's entirety.
 
If this artist is a 'listed' artist, then auctioning off the collection would be the way to go. A 'listed' artist's artwork is of that which has been sold at auction previously. You can search the internet for 'listed artists', or the books.
 
An art dealer can determine, if the artist is not 'listed' , the 'importance' of the artist/artwork and valuate the collection for auction (as will the auction house).
 
If the artwork has never come to auction before -an auction would be an opportunity for this artist's work to become 'listed'.
 
Pam
 
In a message dated 8/22/2005 8:41:09 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [log in to unmask] writes:
Hi Everyone:

I have a friend who's step-father was quite a prolific professional artist.
Most of his work consists of watercolors completed in the 1970s, some have
had lithos made already.  Recenty, his wife also passed away and her
children are looking into options for divesting themselves of the family
collection.  The artist died between five and ten years ago and his studio
is still intact and all of the work exactly where he left it, many framed
throughout the house, etc. He did create a living from his work and sold
pieces throughout his lifetime to people with recognizeable names.

I am looking for information to pass along to the family regarding
equitable dispersement.  They are reluctant to use an auction house and
value honoring his presence in the world more so than quick and painless
dispersment.

Does anyone have similar experiences?  Also, is there another listserv
and/or places that are more specific to art galleries/art museums that I
could check for more information?

Thanks for any advice you may have.

Erin Crissman
Curator
Historic Cherry Hill
Albany, NY
 
Pamela Silvestri, Museum Assistant
Northeast States Civilian Conservation Corps Museum
Shenipsit State Forest
166 Chestnut Hill Road
Stafford Springs, Connecticut 06076
(860) 684-3430
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