Thank you to our local artists, friends, and collectors from Utah and London (!!!) for attending our Miniature Show Opening last Friday evening. We are celebrating once again on Friday, December 26th from 6 to 9 p.m. in conjunction with the Park City Gallery Stroll and expect to have even more guests and local artists in attendence. Happy Holidays to all and thank you for enjoying Gallery MAR in 2008. See you next year…

Southwest Art Magazine recently featured our January exhibition for Brooks Yates and Sharon Jackman: “As Nature Unfolds”. The featured painting is sold, but we expect 16 works from both artists for this exhibition, beginning on January 26th and running through February 9th. The reception for the artists is on Friday, January 30th from 6 to 9 p.m. and Yates will be in attendence. (Click the above image for a larger view of the feature.)

Michael Kessler, “Negatron”, 15″ x 39″, 2008

Do you have a Pablo Picasso ceramic or William Morris glass work on your art collection “dream list”? Most of us will never be able to afford top hammer prices for original works of art, but we dream nonetheless.

I’ve recently come upon an interesting website that just may allow your collection dreams to come true! Fine Art Rescue showcases art pieces that have seen better times. Damaged by accidental piercings, smoke, water, fire, and varying insect munches (and now repaired), these paintings and sculptures are available for sale in their restored condition. This is a bargain-hunter’s dream if said hunter is willing to invest in previously damaged, restored artwork.

When an insured piece of art is badly damaged, the insurance company pays the claim and then becomes the owner of the work. If the work can be rescued Fine Art Rescue will buy the piece and resell it to the public, allowing the insurance company to close their claim file. And that’s when prospective art buyers swoop in.

Sometimes minor scratches can mar the work, decreasing the value of a work of art. But for others, this only adds to the value and provenance of the piece. Someone may see fire-singed works by Warhol as “damaged,” while a another collector will mount and frame them, enjoying them as a new work of art. In a different example, a water stained piece can be artfully framed to cover up all of the tidemarks. If you are considering purchasing a damaged work, research the “non-damaged” price, and request numerous photos and descriptions from the seller.

Experience your work art damage? Move slowly, take all precautions, and ask an expert. A quick link to view tools and insights in your own damage disaster: Art Resoration. And here is a local resource for art conservation: Master Art Restore. A few years ago, here in Park City, a prominant art collector experienced a major house fire. Sadly, many items were badly damaged. The silver lining was the collector’s evaluations and appraisals of his art collection. Take time to keep your valued items insured properly, and always keep your records in a location outside of your home.

Save the date!

March 20, 2009– the Spiro Art Center in Park City announces their Art Auction and Gala to benefit Spiro’s community and youth programs, residency opportunities and scholarships. Mark your calendars now for an enchanting evening of art, music, food and fun surprises. A supporter from their beginnings, Gallery MAR will be in attendance. See you there!

Spiro Arts is currently accepting artwork donations from artists, gallery owners, and other interested parties for our annual Auction & Gala benefit. They offer a FREE Thursday night life drawing class every week. Donations help to support this program. Call 435-649-6258 for more information.

Spiro Arts is an Artist-in-Residence community and workshop center, located in the beautiful Silver Star Resort community in Park City, UT. Situated on a historic mine site adjacent to Park City Mountain Resort, the rustic architecture and newly restored mine buildings provide a unique setting for Spiro’s multidisciplinary programs, while also serving as headquarters for Park City’s Sundance Film Festival. Spiro Arts hosts a diverse community of visual and literary artists while offering residencies, open studio events, a public lecture series, Writers at Work Conference, life drawing sessions, Art Auction Gala and summer workshops for adults and children.

Scott Anderson, “The Grinch, the Pony, and Frosty,” Oil, 2008

Local Utah Blogger R. Brandon Long wrote up a piece on his recent visit to the Park City galleries. His blog “Utah Living large” can be vewied here. In an email to the gallery, he writes, “Included in the paper is my completely unbiased and honest opinion of my brief encounter with your Gallery.” Below, a complimentary excerpt:

“Warmed up and satisfied with my first Park City Gallery, I moseyed across the street and headed North or downhill again passing a plethora of closed galleries. If it wasn’t for the construction workers and sparsely parked cars I would think this resort town was a ghost town. A squished mall entitled “the Galleria” was promising as the doors were open and inviting. Upon immediately entering the narrow plaza a short staircase to my right led to Gallery MAR. A quaint well positioned gallery on the second level of this antiquated building, Gallery MAR used their space well.

I was instantly greeted as I stepped through the open door. Two young, distinctive, and attractive ladies behind a short desk looked up from the shared computer with cheerful smiles and said, “Hello.” Now that is how one should enter a gallery. Maren Bargreen, the gallery’s owner, promptly stood up and introduced herself. Coy but confident, I again explained my quest as a student on a mission to visit galleries. This impressed and led to questioning and inquisitiveness from both ladies, either that or they are really good at their job. Maren then handed me a “Park City Gallery Guide,” good to have, containing a map and short briefs of the main galleries in town. She also informed me of the official “gallery stroll” ensuing every Friday night with additional information to be found online at parkcitygalleryassociation.com.

After our cordial introductions, I began to browse the modest display of art housed within. With white walls and an over sized front window, lighting wasn’t a problem and the space felt warm although the paintings were less stimulating than as hoped. The pieces appeared skilled and singular but didn’t cater to my tastes, maybe a bit feminine? I did find a couple encaustic pieces that drew my attention. They were mounted on thick wooden elongated blocks and the design was modern.

Before leaving I spotted a winter scene painting complete with the Grinch, this fun little piece was more to my tastes. Although the work housed within this gallery was maybe not something I would be immediately attracted to, I believe this would be the first gallery I would visit upon returning to Park City because of the kind, informative, and unpretentious treatment.”

How was your own experience at Gallery MAR? Write to us and share your own collecting stories, favorite artists, and artistic pursuits!