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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is fine art?

  2. Can I talk to the artist?

  3. What factors should I consider in making the buying decision?

  4. What should I do to preserve my art?

  5. Should I insure my art purchase?

  6. Do you provide framing services?


What is fine art?

The term fine art was first attested in 1767 as a translation from the French term beaux arts, referring to the arts that were "concerned with beauty or which appealed to taste."  The term has been used to designate a limited number of visual art forms, including painting, sculpture, and printmaking.  Thus, "fine art" is art created for purely aesthetic expression, communication, or contemplation, rather than a practical, utilitarian purpose.  In other words, "art for art's sake."  The word "fine" does not so much denote the quality of the artwork in question, but rather the purity of the discipline.  While traditionally "fine art" excluded craftwork or applied art, such as textiles and jewelry, in modern times the term has come to denote when someone has perfected an activity to a very high level of skill.  In the traditional sense and the modern sense Northland Exposure Artists' Gallery offers fine art in many forms.

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Can I talk to the artist?

Of course! Artists love to talk about their work and are always eager to discuss all aspects of their art ranging from the technical to the philosophical. There are normally two member artists at the Gallery during business hours.  You can also obtain contact information on all our members through the exhibiting artists section of the website. Understanding the artist's perception will dramatically enhance the value of the art for you.

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What factors should I consider in making the buying decision?

Before you buy, ask yourself: will I regret not buying it?  Will it fit the space I have in mind?  Will it go with the color scheme or decor of the room in which it will be displayed?  Can I get it home by car/bus/taxi?  Consider the weight of sculptures.

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What steps should I take to preserve my art?

Care instructions will vary according to the type of art you buy. As a general rule for paintings and photography, avoid bright lighting or exposure to sunlight and hang away from a heat source. A constant temperature in the low 70s with low humidity is preferable.

Drawings, watercolors, photography and all types of printing use paper as their support. The quality of the paper used has a direct effect on the life and condition of what is created on it. Our Gallery artists use preservation quality, acid free papers that ensure a long life of their original works and reproductions.

It is important to protect the surface of artwork from airborne pollutants and dust. For artwork on paper, glass, glazing or an acrylic finish are the most common surface protections. Paintings on canvas are normally protected by a special picture varnish.

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Should I insure my art purchase?

Insuring personal property against theft and damage is always a prudent decision.  Talk to your insurance agent.  Most homeowners insurance provides a general coverage on all items in the home including your art. If the art in your home is of modest value this type of coverage may be all you need, but if your art is of significant value or your collection extensive, you may want to consider special insurance. Take a photograph of the art work to show its current condition and keep the receipt for submitting a claim.

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Do you provide framing services?

The Gallery sells both framed and unframed artwork.  Many artists sell their original paintings already framed, but reproductions are often unframed.  Discuss your framing desires with the artist for recommendations on framing professionals.

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Copyright 2006-2009 by Northland Exposure Artists' Gallery, LLC.  All rights reserved.

110 Main Street, Parkville, Mo. 64152

816-746-6300

info@northlandartists.com