Authentic Art Sticky Wicket

[doylestownboy]

Last Friday evening I had an opening reception with a artist from out of state.

The agreement was that she would send her originals along with several Limited Edition canvas Giclee' prints to exhibit until Oct 11th.

The art arrived as planned a couple of days prior to the event which I turned into a benefit for the local hospital with them receiving a portion of the proceeds towards the purchase of medical equipment. Besides sending invitations, press releases, and getting lots of media to pick up on the benefit, we had a decent turn out.

Problem is that I noticed the L.E.'s were neither signed nor numbered by the artist and when I brought it to her attention after she already left the gallery that evening, she asked me to number each one of the canvases 1/10 AP on her behalf and she would forward me some certificates during our phone conversation. I have a real problem with that soultion since it has been my experience to have the artist sign and number any L.E. prior to displaying them. I feel that my gallery's credability is on the line if I attempt to sell any of the L.E.'s. One client has already called me on it and happens to be an attorney. She also wants some answers. I need some opinions as to how to handle this situation and should I continue the exhibit or return the art early?

NOTE that the artist is real, and I have no problem with her originals.

[ 09-17-2003, 03:48 PM: Message edited by: doylestownboy ]

[Jim Miller]

That's a legal question, which most framers aren't qualified to answer. You should talk to a lawyer.

I would share your hesitation about the artist's solution. I guess it would be legal for someone other than the artist to apply the numbers -- so long as there's assurance that they are in proper sequence. But if the prints aren't signed by the artist, then how could anyone know they're legitimate?

[dns ynko]

I don't know the correct answer to this, but I would tell the artist it is their job to fix it. This person needs to come back to your gallery and make it right. You put their work up and did all the other stuff. Now they must hold up their end. Tell them you have a lawyer calling you out and this is not your responsibility. Why don't they have you sign teir name while you are at it?

Tell them toi get back in state or you might have to have them take the work back...in a nicer way of course.
d

[Less]

Next-day-air them back to the artist at her expense. Have her sign them and return them next day. Keep one to show and sell and explain that you will get signed ones in a couple of days.

No big deal. If you are feeling generous, pick up the tap one way.

Hmmm? I don't think you mentioned whether they are framed or not?

If they are framed, just number them and tell the client they can have the art after the show closes.

This is not uncommon even with originals, since both the artist and the gallery often are scrambling to get ready.

[ 09-17-2003, 07:16 PM: Message edited by: lessafinger ]

[HannaFate]

Someone else numbering the prints is not a problem, but I would want the artist to sign them.

With Giclee prints, the sequence is not important.

[Maryann]

A few years back, we received a L/E from a major publisher that was signed and not numbered. The certificate had a number on, but not the piece. When I called, they told me to just number it. For some reason I wasn't comfortable with that and had them send me another. They sent another of the same number (or what the number should have been) and never had me return the orginal. What's this saying about the integrity of L/E?

[Janet L]

Easiest solution: have the artist send you some blood or other DNA that could be used on the LE like some other "artist" we know. ;)

Actually, Less' idea makes sense. Wow Less, you're starting to scare me when I can actually understand what u mean. :confused: