Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA): Do's & Don’ts of Collecting Unusual Mediums

Panelists will conduct an interactive discussion on past and present mediums used by fine artists and how they affect aspects of valuation, security, shipping, storage, restoration, climate controls, title and authenticity.

The Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) is a federal law that was enacted in 1990 in order to protect the moral rights of artists. Visual artists have certain rights under the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) that relate to the work itself, even after it has been sold. These include the right to claim authorship of the work, and to prevent the work from being distorted or mutilated in a way that would be prejudicial to the artist's honor or reputation. If a work is damaged, an artist may also have the right to have the damage repaired, or to have the work destroyed if it cannot be repaired.

The Visual Artists Rights Act only applies to certain types of works, and only in certain circumstances, so it is important to consult an attorney if you believe your rights have been violated. In addition, new and different mediums can affect the way a work is valued long-term, how it must be cared for and how it can be restored. For example, a painting may be more valuable than a photograph, but a photograph may be easier to restore if it is damaged. As a result, it is important to consider all of these factors when determining the value of a work of art.

VARA Panel Discussion: Sam Pugatch, David Sleeman and Simon Hornby

Sam Pugatch, Director of Business Development for the Fine Art Department at DeWitt Stern; David Sleeman, Director of Business Development at Winston Art Group; and Simon Hornby is President, Art Services for Crozier Fine Arts will discuss the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) and how it relates to damaged works.

Participants will learn:

• What the Visual Artists Rights Act (VARA) is and how it relates to damaged works.
• How new and different mediums affect the way a work is valued long-term, how it must be cared for and how it can be restored.

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Speakers

Sam Pugatch

In his current position as Director of Business Development for the Fine Art Department at DeWitt Stern, Sam is responsible for overseeing a number of premier accounts as well as developing marketing and sales strategies for continued growth. He has created initiatives including an automated online program for insurance targeting the rare book market and a post-Sandy flood insurance program for...

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David Sleeman

David Sleeman is Director of Business Development at Winston Art Group, the largest independent art appraisal and advisory firm in the United States. Winston Art Group assists clients with appraisals for all purposes, advises clients on buying and selling works of art, and handles the management of clients’ collections. The firm’s 50 specialists cover all areas of fine and decorative art,...

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Simon Hornby

Simon Hornby is President, Art Services for Crozier Fine Arts, the industry leader in Fine and Decorative Arts storage, transport and art collection management. Mr. Hornby is responsible for Crozier’s art storage division and its specialized climate controlled facilities in New York and New Jersey, development of new services, liaison with key clients, and working with insurance and other...

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