Dealing with Estate Art can be a delicate matter. Highly valued art can be consigned to an auction house or gallery that represents the well-known artist. For art by lesser known artists like myself, the options are less convenient.
Cherry Blossoms ©Ruth Armitage circa about 1995
Before you decide to donate, you can find a consignment store that accepts art, list the work in an online forum like Facebook Marketplace, or contact the artist.
I was recently approached by friends of one of my good collectors about handling several paintings from her collection. Because I still love the work and don’t want to see it in the Goodwill aisle next time I shop there, I agreed to try to sell the pieces at my upcoming studio sale.
If you haven’t been following me long, you might be surprised to see such realistic work from my past.
I don’t have a gallery that consigns estate art, so taking on this project myself seemed like a good compromise. If you’re one of the folks who loved my earlier work, here’s your opportunity to pick up a floral or still life from a bygone era. Does this mean they are vintage? You decide!
And if one of these ‘vintage pieces speaks to you – let me know. I’m willing to ship.
Mah Jong & Apples ©Ruth Armitage
Open Studios this Weekend
I’m excited to welcome visitors to my studio this weekend (September 28 & 29) as part of Lake Oswego Open Studios. I’m #32 on the map – 4433 Calaroga Dr, West Linn, OR 97068. Hours are 10 am – 5 pm both days. Here’s a list of all participating artists. You can get a ‘Passport’ to the tour and collect stamps to enter a drawing for a $100 gift card to any studio on the tour.
It’s a great chance to collect work by local artists at reasonable prices. I look forward to seeing both new and familiar faces. If you’re dealing with some estate art of your own, we can chat about your options.
Besides the ‘vintage art’ I’ll have new work, unframed pieces from my trips to Europe this year, and other treats. I hope to see you this weekend!
If you’re an artist, how have you dealt with estate art from your collectors? It’s a tricky topic and I’m open to suggestions!
