Please, no Art Auctions

[Cruise or Lose!]

 

 

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[kazu]

Zamy Steynovitz; seems to have been heavily influenced by Chagall. He died in 2000.

 

Sadly yes he did. I wish I had had the wisdom to buy his original piece at the time.

 

A lovely man. RIP.

 

Your reminder of the date of his passing gives a good idea of how long ago this was. It was long before his passing.

[Hlitner]

The reason you see Art Auctions on HAL (and many other lines) is that they generate a nice profit for the cruise line (and Park West). Anyone planning to buy, who does not have a lot of knowledge of the art world, would do well to Google the word "glicee" which defines a lot of the art sold on ships. We have neer met anyone who was able to sell their cruise ship art for a profit. We did meet a professional art appraiser (from the Atlanta area) on a cruise who told our table that he had often been called in to appraise estates with lots of cruise ship art. He told us that he hated that job because it always meant telling the heirs that the art was near worthless...or only worth a fraction of what they had been told. Folks might be well advised to Google "Park West scam" before going on a cruise.

 

We have a friend who used to be an art auctioneer on Princess (he is now retired). This person made a very good living doing cruise ship art auctions...and made enough to live the high life in Florida and now take a few cruises a year (often on Princess). He told us that Princess tried to lure him out of retirement to take over their art auction program (which used to be in-house) but he declined. Privately he would admit that a majority of cruise ship passengers were very naive about the real value of art...and he could sell anything by giving away cheap champagne. Go figure.

 

We sometimes go to the art auctions because its often the best entertainment on a cruise. No way we would bid on anything (we can find most of it online for a fraction of the cost) but some of the auctioneers are very good (the way used car salesmen are good).

 

Hank

[RMLincoln]

I've never been to a cruise ship art auction. The free wine I've had elsewhere on the ships is, well let's just say it's not worth the calories to me. But I love that the art auctions make a ton of money for the cruise line, keeping their profit margin up and my prices lower.

 

Same for the casino, and all the bars, and the bingo, and the teeth whitening, and the fat-burning spiels, and the Faberge eggs, and the Mirabella jewelry, and ____, and ____, and ____ .... fill in the blanks from all the flyers in the mailboxes which go straight into my recycle bin.

 

And did you know that the tanzanite mines are nearly played out, so you'd better some look at what's still available!

 

I'm good with it all! Somebody must be buying all this stuff or they wouldn't be doing it, and as long as the buyers are happy with what they buy I'm not about to kill the golden goose. m--

[sandbag7]

I've never been to a cruise ship art auction. The free wine I've had elsewhere on the ships is, well let's just say it's not worth the calories to me. But I love that the art auctions make a ton of money for the cruise line, keeping their profit margin up and my prices lower.

 

Same for the casino, and all the bars, and the bingo, and the teeth whitening, and the fat-burning spiels, and the Faberge eggs, and the Mirabella jewelry, and ____, and ____, and ____ .... fill in the blanks from all the flyers in the mailboxes which go straight into my recycle bin.

 

And did you know that the tanzanite mines are nearly played out, so you'd better some look at what's still available!

 

I'm good with it all! Somebody must be buying all this stuff or they wouldn't be doing it, and as long as the buyers are happy with what they buy I'm not about to kill the golden goose. m--

 

I had to see it pretty much right outside my cabin day after day; when I call a restaurant for a reservation and they inquire if I have any allergies I list sad clowns, velvet Elvises and cruise art.

[richstowe]

Well somehow this post made me feel better about the coming ordeal and I like your idea about the kitchen boutique. My own food thought is that I would really like it if a local chef could come aboard on nights when the ship is harbored and prepare some local cuisine; has anyone experienced that on any cruise line?

I have been cruising on HAL for over 20 years and there is an art auction. I have never gone to one. No one is forced to go.

Well put Himself . Sheesh it's not such a big deal but perhaps one shouldn't cruise if it is such a " coming ordeal " . Best to just shake your head and wonder about others sense of taste . As for the local chef , perhaps you should charter a boat and make sure to NOT have an art auction ! :D

[Stratheden]

We have never been to an Art Auction nor had photographs taken whilst on a cruise. Both are so obviously overpriced. Anything that is so heavily promoted must have a big margin for HAL.

 

Looks like we have missed out on some entertainment.

[ellieanne]

I have no objections to the Art Auctions as such. But I have SERIOUS objections to the way that they take over the Ocean Bar and other public areas for HOURS on a sea day, thus limiting the already limited seating and gathering areas for passengers who do not wish to remain in their staterooms.

 

It's one reason we choose to occupy a table in the Lido for most of the day on sea days. I would happily take my drink and my book to the Ocean Bar and read there, but NO! the bar and its comfy chairs/couches are off-limits for at least 3 hours before the auction and 2 hours after, if not longer. I know people complain about the lack of tables in the Lido, but with the other public spaces being used for Art Auctions, Spa Seminars, Bingo, and/or other "presentations" our group of 6-8 are left with few other choices as to somewhere to be where all of us can be together comfortably.

 

I prefer the ship designs that have a dedicated Art Gallery and space for the Auctions, freeing up public bars for those of us who wish to use the bars as bars and not lecture halls.

[Stratheden]

I have no objections to the Art Auctions as such. But I have SERIOUS objections to the way that they take over the Ocean Bar and other public areas for HOURS on a sea day, thus limiting the already limited seating and gathering areas for passengers who do not wish to remain in their staterooms.

 

It's one reason we choose to occupy a table in the Lido for most of the day on sea days. I would happily take my drink and my book to the Ocean Bar and read there, but NO! the bar and its comfy chairs/couches are off-limits for at least 3 hours before the auction and 2 hours after, if not longer. I know people complain about the lack of tables in the Lido, but with the other public spaces being used for Art Auctions, Spa Seminars, Bingo, and/or other "presentations" our group of 6-8 are left with few other choices as to somewhere to be where all of us can be together comfortably.

 

I prefer the ship designs that have a dedicated Art Gallery and space for the Auctions, freeing up public bars for those of us who wish to use the bars as bars and not lecture halls.

 

I totally agree.

[Hlitner]

Also agree with the objections about Art Auctions taking over too much public space. HAL (and some other lines) already allot a log of public space (that could be used for other functions) to the Art Auction folks. And then, on sea days when everyone is onboard...they will often take over other venues such as the Ocean Bar, Atrium, etc. It can be hard enough to find a quiet place to read or quietly listen to one's own music (through headphones or ear buds)...but these silly auctions make it much harder to find space. While these art auctions do generate revenue for the cruise line, there are actually not that many passengers that participate. A small percentage of cruisers are the one's spending money on this stuff (calling it "stuff" is being kind)...but some of these folks will spend thousands of dollars. Each to their own, but I suspect that just tossing money overboard might be a better investment. That money will help please the "sea Gods" and give us calm seas! That claim is about as accurate as many of the claims made by those art auctioneers.

 

Hank

[Fozwald]

For heavens sake, why do some people get so twisted over minor issues.

 

We go on cruises to relax and enjoy well deserved holidays and take a break. We certainly don't allow art auctions (or any other on-board activity that I am not interested in) to create negative vibes.

 

Some people must enjoy the art auctions ..... and good for them.

 

Stop being grumblers and think positive thoughts ...... you may find your holidays far more enjoyable.

[Cruise or Lose!]

Because, Fozwald, some people just LOVE feeling superior to others. If I ever bid on something at an auction, it will NOT be for its resale value - it will be because I fell in love with it.

 

 

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[Gail & Marty sailing away]

I found it interesting to go to, never bought anything.

[1884Vic]

I was/am (I still do consulting) an American art curator. I avoid these auctions like the plague. I remember when the giclee craze started - it's a fancy word for poster.

 

However - I will say what I always told people who would ask me about their piece of artwork. Do you like it? Then it doesn't matter what you paid for it. Unless you are buying art as an investment (generally not wise) or are a curator buying for a collection (you would be run out of town if you did that on cruise ships) then don't worry about what other people think. Unless you are being totally scammed, it's not worth getting knickers in a twist about this stuff. I have plenty of stuff in my home others would not find to their taste, and vice versa. Art should evoke an emotion and give us some degree of pleasure. If it doesn't don't buy it.

[alwaysfrantic]

I think they are being totally scammed though.

[*Miss G*]

Well somehow this post made me feel better about the coming ordeal and I like your idea about the kitchen boutique. My own food thought is that I would really like it if a local chef could come aboard on nights when the ship is harbored and prepare some local cuisine; has anyone experienced that on any cruise line?

I would love that!

[*Miss G*]

Isn't it funny what irritates some but not others. I am so thankful that I have never let art auctions bother me because I have so many other things that do. I have to draw the line somewhere.

[1964IceCreamLady]

However - I will say what I always told people who would ask me about their piece of artwork. Do you like it? Then it doesn't matter what you paid for it. Unless you are buying art as an investment (generally not wise) or are a curator buying for a collection (you would be run out of town if you did that on cruise ships) then don't worry about what other people think. Unless you are being totally scammed, it's not worth getting knickers in a twist about this stuff. I have plenty of stuff in my home others would not find to their taste, and vice versa. Art should evoke an emotion and give us some degree of pleasure. If it doesn't don't buy it.

 

Agree! I have gone to Austin's street festivals for the past 25 years, and every once in awhile come across something I truly love. I have never regretted a single one of those purchases.

 

The past few years I've spent investing in the artwork of the Bailey Children. They are AMAZING. :') [My kids! Every so often they would bring something home from art class that was actually pretty good! Amazing how a nice frame will elevate even the simplest of pieces]

[Hlitner]

I was/am (I still do consulting) an American art curator. I avoid these auctions like the plague. I remember when the giclee craze started - it's a fancy word for poster.

 

However - I will say what I always told people who would ask me about their piece of artwork. Do you like it? Then it doesn't matter what you paid for it. Unless you are buying art as an investment (generally not wise) or are a curator buying for a collection (you would be run out of town if you did that on cruise ships) then don't worry about what other people think. Unless you are being totally scammed, it's not worth getting knickers in a twist about this stuff. I have plenty of stuff in my home others would not find to their taste, and vice versa. Art should evoke an emotion and give us some degree of pleasure. If it doesn't don't buy it.

 

You have a point. We used to know an elderly lady (widow) who loved buying a new car every two years...from the same dealer/salesman, She told me that she always paid the full "sticker price" for her expensive cars because she liked the dealer and the brand of car. And that is similar to your argument. I assume she got "a degree of pleasure" from the process.

 

Hank

[iancal]

We view art auctions in same light as bingo, those $9.99 trashy sales, and the so called duty free sales. We simply skate around them.

 

Plus, they probably serve to subsidize our fare

[richstowe]

I think they are being totally scammed though.

Only if they believe they are buying "art" . If they recognize they are buying a decorative memory , aka, an expensive poster , then they are not being scammed . As others have said , it helps keep a lid on cruise prices and that's great !

[iancal]

Beauty, and value, are in the eyes of the beholder.

 

If someone finds a certain amount of joy and satisfaction paying well above the odds then who am I to judge them.

 

Besides, everyone has to earn a crust....even the folks who toil at the art auctions.

[alwaysfrantic]

Only if they believe they are buying "art" . If they recognize they are buying a decorative memory , aka, an expensive poster , then they are not being scammed . As others have said , it helps keep a lid on cruise prices and that's great !

But to be paying thousands of dollars (and as someone here mentioned 10k+ dollars) for a poster, then they are being scammed.

[blizzardboy]

What's with all the auction hate? I got an original of these dogs playing poker at an art auction. It's going to be worth a fortune.

[richstowe]

But to be paying thousands of dollars (and as someone here mentioned 10k+ dollars) for a poster, then they are being scammed.

Ten thousand ?

What's with all the auction hate? I got an original of these dogs playing poker at an art auction. It's going to be worth a fortune.

Me too !