Care of your art will help ensure a lifetime of “priceless” memories as well as a possible unexpected return.

You’ve learned, fought hard and obtained and now you have to maintain and care for that which took you so long to possess, your “priceless’ art!

Too many times people think of collections and the stock market in the same way. They constantly worry how much did it go up today. How many times have you head people say I told my kids when I’m gone, you’re going to be able to cash in. Check your motives. You have put in all the effort to obtain this treasure. Here you have a work or series of works, even a custom work done only for you, think of the word priceless. You work and your ownership is worth what it is worth to you. You and you alone determine its true value and worth. The value on the open market or by some appraiser is a completely different subject. It may have little or it may have a lot of value to someone else in the marketplace. All of that is a “to be determined”. In those terms, it will only be worth in dollars what someone is willing to actually pay. The proof is in the actual exchange of real dollars and not before on pure speculation. How you acquired it and what you acquired it for should never be an apprehension or an aspiration. True reality should be “to me this is priceless and I’m going to make every effort to treat it that way.

Just like anything we obtain there is a cost that goes along with ownership and art and the collection of art is no different. The care and keeping of art and a collection has its costs in planning, execution, positioning, and cause and effect of elements which deals directly with its maintenance and preservation. It’s important to you as well as your “priceless” work of art

Remember there are always tips, advice and counseling when it comes to the care and preservation of your “priceless’ art investment. Remind yourself you love this work and wouldn’t want anything to happen to it. The internet will have an abundant supply of service providers as well as consultants to find any answers. Don’t forget museums, as well as quality galleries and superior frame shops provide professionals who are more than willing to give you good solid advice regarding these areas.

Handling and Cleaning Works of Art
Care should always be given to your “priceless” art pieces themselves in any moving and / or preparing of areas for placement of the work. Keeping things secure without much movement will help lesson any potential accidents. The white glove treatment may seem funny and unnecessary to you, but care of your “priceless” art pieces should never be taken lightly. You may need help in the handling and cleaning so good planning is always essential. Positioning of your works on the surfaces of home and office walls is critical to preventing any possible damage due to neglect in the hanging of a painting or photograph. Keeping your art dust free, pest free and well maintained should be a part of your regular cleaning procedure. Always use care, soft, non abrasive materials, and not commercial glass cleaners. Remember never spray the work directly as moisture could harm the art. Before doing anything get good suggestions which may be obtained on the internet or from other industry professionals regarding the maintenance and handling of your art work.

Framing Works of Art
Today’s environment is constantly changing and just like you needed sun block for protection from the sun’s rays you should be aware of the potential damage light can do to your valuable art work. Exposure and elements need to be dealt with. Whether protection through specially treated glass, UV-screening glass, Plexiglas, and breakable glass or the right elements being incorporated into the back of the frame so no acid will penetrate the work is extremely important. Frames should enhance and never take away from the presentation. Too often with many presentations the frame is offered as the most valuable element. Every work does not need to have a gold leaf carved master piece engulfing what was supposed to be something of priceless meaning. Keep the focus on what you love and why you loved it in the first place. Good advice can again be obtained from the internet as well as seeking out local reputable framers. Research things as much as possible to put you in the know before you have your work framed. You may want to call and ask the framers how and why they would do certain things. Their answers should speak volumes to what you are looking for. And save you in many ways.

Lighting Works of Art
Ever notice the pictures in museums? Did you notice how the presentation is not only framed well to enhance the art work? There is another element that is subtly introduced as well and that is the way the art is lit, The art is shown with the proper lighting to highlight the work and augment the elements of its message. Museums are very conscious of how long a work stays in the same place; its care as well as the bulbs the lights, and the position and distance of those lights. You should determine where the work will be placed, and if you will routinely change its location. Find information on the internet as well as calling your qualified framer, quality gallery owner or related source for good information on this subject to make decisions that protect your “priceless” work. Remember also that placing your piece in the strategic location it deserves could demand power and new electrical conductivity. Good, in-depth planning is essential!

Hanging Works of Art
Once again clean hands and white cotton gloves are essential. A good inspection of the surface you will be hanging the work from can always pay dividends long term. Once again, patience and good preliminary planning is fundamental. Make sure the surfaces of the walls or hanging area are clean before you attempt any type of fastening. Good inspection as well as good planning is again imperative. There are some great new fastening agents on the market as well as laser sighting instruments to help you in this process. Inspecting all the surfaces and determining the proper recommended fastener, brackets and anchors should be planned in advance ensuring balance and security. Be especially conscious of the art work itself and never put it in a position to be damaged or harmed in any way. Trial runs are essential. Using the best quality materials is important as well as intermittent evaluations making sure everything remains safe and sound. There are some excellent sources that discuss the how’s and why’s of hanging and mounting art to walls and surfaces available on the internet. These along with good information, tips and advice from museum personnel, gallery agents, framers, and alike will ensure years of pleasure from your “priceless” artwork.

Insurance Works of Art
Last thing we often want to think about is insurance. The art we acquire demands care. As an art owner and / or collector take extra concern for what you have. Remember if you bought it under the right circumstance and you love it, it is “priceless to you”. Unless you’ve acquired your art at a large auction, are aware of appraisal and damage potential you might be like most people who buy art and really don’t know what they have. Many times they place a diminished value when it could be quite irreplaceable. Not only must one consider theft, but the elements and the environment where it is kept can take its toll as well. Light, temperature, humidity all have affects on these emotional objects that impact our lives daily. Remember everything should be documented and those documents used as the basis for certified appraisals, online appraisals, and your need someday to possibly receive compensation for loss or damage. The internet as well as your own insurance broker can usually provide you with help to better understand what is needed and the kind of coverage that best suits your particular needs whether a private collection or personal pieces.

Shipping Works of Art
In addition to and in conjunction with insurance, consideration must be given to the how art work will travel. The shipping requirements may place a considerable demand on protecting your investment. Make sure again you uncover the best ways of moving your art from one destination to another and a good place to research and look into what potential is necessary and what is available to meet your needs is the internet as well as some of the local shipping and packaging firms.

Here’s two excellent sites for further study of the care of your art, http://art-care.com/and http://www.artfacts.org/.

The care and preservation of your “priceless” pieces of art work will pay dividends for years to come. You’ll maintain a healthy viable collection in which you have invested blood, sweat and tears as well as hard earned dollars. It will pay you back many times over in positive reminders, heart moving occurrences, and memories of encouragement. If it is that one collection that someone is truly looking for then your “priceless” art work may become priceless to you in more than one way. Care for and maintain your art and your collection.