Monday, October 23, 2023

Protecting Art and Paintings from Earthquakes in Las Vegas

 A living room with a couch and a chandelier

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Las Vegas is located in a seismically active region, so it is important to take steps to protect your art and paintings from earthquakes. This article will provide you with tips on how to secure your art and paintings, develop a disaster response plan, and purchase earthquake insurance.

Securing your art and paintings

The most important thing you can do to protect your art and paintings from earthquakes is to secure them to the walls or other surfaces. This can be done using a variety of methods, including:

  • Earthquake-safe brackets and screws: These brackets and screws are designed to withstand the shaking and vibration of an earthquake. They can be purchased at most hardware stores.

  • Museum wax: Museum wax is a type of adhesive that can be used to adhere small objects to surfaces. It is safe for use on art and paintings.

  • Security cables: Security cables can be used to secure larger objects to walls or other surfaces. They are often used to secure valuable artwork in museums and galleries.

When securing your art and paintings, it is important to choose the appropriate method for the size and weight of the object. You should also make sure that the method you choose is compatible with the type of surface you are attaching the object to.

two Chinese figural statues with their heads broken off

Here’s an anecdote video about the damage to a painting that fell off of the wall due to an earthquake and the destruction of the Chinese statues (pictured above) underneath it. Besides putting huge holes in the painting and causing original paint loss (and frame damage) it completely shattered the heads of the Chinese statues worth $10,000’s.

While this accident caused $50,000.00 of damage and loss of value (insurance covered it), a cherished irreplaceable heirloom would have been a heartbreaker… but totally avoidable!

Surprisingly, an easy, quick, do-it-yourself anchoring technique can save you in all of these tips mentioned above; this will help you big time! Here’s 1:30 sec quick fun interesting video: CLICK HERE FOR VIDEO


Developing a disaster response plan

In the event of an earthquake, it is important to have a plan in place for protecting your art and paintings. This plan should include the following:

  • A list of all of your art and paintings: This list should include the title, artist, and value of each object. You should also include a photo of each object.

  • A plan for evacuating your home or business: This plan should include an evacuation route and a meeting place for your family or employees.

  • A plan for protecting your belongings: This plan should include steps for protecting your art and paintings from damage. You may want to consider storing your art and paintings in a safe place, such as a fireproof safe or a climate-controlled storage facility.

Purchasing earthquake insurance

Earthquake insurance is a type of insurance that covers damage to your property caused by an earthquake. If you have a collection of art and paintings, it is important to make sure that they are covered by earthquake insurance.

When purchasing earthquake insurance, it is important to choose a policy that covers the full value of your art and paintings. You should also make sure that the policy covers the type of damage that is most likely to occur in your area.

Additional tips

Here are some additional tips for protecting your art and paintings from earthquakes:

  • Store heavy objects on lower shelves. This will help to prevent them from falling and causing damage to other objects below.

  • Place fragile objects in cabinets or drawers. This will help to prevent them from falling and breaking during an earthquake.

  • Consider storing your art and paintings in a climate-controlled environment. This will help to protect them from damage caused by temperature and humidity changes.

  • Have your art and antiques appraised by a professional. This will help you to determine their value and make sure that they are properly insured.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your art and paintings from earthquakes.

Conclusion

Earthquakes can cause significant damage to art and paintings. By following the tips in this article, you can help protect your art and paintings from earthquakes.

Do you have art collection care questions? Call (702) 757-3820.

Art and antiques appraisal questions? Call Richard Holgate at 805-895-5121.


Here is a real-life testimonial about Fine Art Conservation Laboratories

“Scott,
Thanks for writing such a good article on the Italian earthquake. I was glad to read it and send it on to friends—some of them in Italy!

We do take many of the precautions you mentioned in your article and book including having earthquake insurance in Indiana. The New Madrid fault rumbles here every once in a while and after living in CA we would never take a chance. Just last year we had a small quake that rattled all my antiques and would have broken quite a few items in a pottery collection.  But we bought some Museum Wax when we visited my sister in San Diego in December. David had installed Plexiglas in the front of the open case. Plus we have wires on many bookshelves. Thanks for your tips and coaching. It pays to be prepared!

All my best, Lynda"

More about Fine Art Conservation Laboratories - Las Vegas

Conservator Virginia Panizzon sitting at an easel doing in-painting on a large history painting

Do you have artwork that has flaking paint, is dirty, has yellowed varnish, or is rippled or distorted, has been ripped, or is stained or moldy or cracking (hopefully, not ALL of those problems all on the same painting!)? We are happy to discuss with you on the phone or at your house or office any questions you may have about the condition of your artwork… and we know all your questions (and the answers) before you ask them.

“We know a thing or two because we’ve seen a thing or two.”

Scott M. Haskins, Principle, has been active professionally since 1975 and our other two painting conservators have been 1st class-quality veterans for decades.

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories (FACL, Inc. Est. 1986) provides on-location consultations and pick up/delivery professional fine art restoration services for someone who has inherited… or found a treasure, the avid collector, the weekend art dealer, or professionally oriented collections. FACL is also recognized and well-known nationwide and internationally for art restoration work on murals. Art storage and other related services are also available in association with the art conservation lab and services. FACL offers specialized services for art-related items affected by natural and home disasters.

The FACL 5,000 sq ft. painting conservation facility is well equipped for work on your single, small family heirloom or for large projects (both in size and in number of items as a result of a disaster, for example). A very large 12’ hot table aids in the consolidation and stabilizing treatments. In addition, 5,000 sq. ft is available for large projects and art storage. This allows for timely response to insurance claims needs and for disaster response contracts for collections and special projects. While most mural projects are done on location, murals that have been removed from their walls are often worked on in our facilities. Easy truck access and large roll-up freight doors make handling regular shipments safer and make larger shipments possible. Let’s talk about your questions! (702) 757-3820 or FACLOfficeManager@gmail.com

On-location projects and mural conservation services have been a focus of Scott M. Haskins since working in Italy in 1975. Both small projects and very large public art projects are of interest (both historical and contemporary). Renowned for excellent quality work, resolving difficult problems, and managing very large projects, over 450 murals have been worked on in many of the states of the USA.  

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind. 

Background and Personnel

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Scott M. Haskins 

(1975-1978) graduated from the Italian government - Lombardy Region (ENAIP) 3-year master’s degree level painting conservation program run in conjunction with the Istituto Centrale del Restauro (ICR) in Rome (the national center). Additional professional training was obtained in the field of art on paper with senior art conservator, Joe Nkruma from the Kunst Museum, Bern Switzerland; polarizing microscopy training from the McCrone Institute, Chicago Il; techniques for treatments on oversized paintings workshops in Italy and those organized through the American Institute for Art Conservation (NY, Toronto). See website for additional background material, Murals Capabilities Statement, Consultation Capabilities Statement, Expert Witness Capabilities,


Click here for mural capability statement: https://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/mural/

Click here for past consultation jobs/clients:

https://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/consultations/

Click here for our FACL blog:

 http://www.FineArtConservationLab.com/blog/

Ms. Virginia Panizzon, 

veteran art conservator has more than 20 years of experience in all aspects of painting conservation treatments and full-time professional commitment. 

Brooke Hendershott and Sarah Favret assist the art conservators and are trained conservation technicians with extensive experience in art conservation treatments including on-site services, art cataloging, art handling/transport, and disaster response services. 

Ms. Gena Dillon (Business Manager, Office Comptroller, and Logistics) contributes valuable support services.

Flora Arguilla, MBA oversees our satellite operations in Las Vegas and oversees media duties. 

Several other very experienced, professional, specialized, conservator associates and technicians assist the FACL art conservators and techs on a project-by-project basis. On large projects (like murals or disaster response clean up), a network of specialized professionals, and very experienced, qualified associates have been part of our team since 1978.

See more about our adventures in art conservation in our website’s media room. Click Here.

Article Syndication

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This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. What does it mean that this article is “syndicated”? See the end of the article for an explanation.

It's a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and it's certainly prestigious, as additional "proof" that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! This article was syndicated for USA National Redistribution. 

When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy, or valuable for wide popular interest. See the syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=299679


This website's syndication included:

1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’)

2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’

3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts.

4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’

5) Included in optimized searches on all my topics of expertise.

6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry)

8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world's largest electronic database for legal and public-records-related information, distributor of academic content, and expert opinion.

This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/Releasedetails.aspx?id=299679


Friday, October 13, 2023

Smoke-Damaged Art Repair in Las Vegas – Top 3 Tips

Dealing with the aftermath of smoke-damaged paintings, art, and antiques in Las Vegas demands expert help. This article shares real-life scenarios that can save you substantial stress and money. It's crucial to take these lessons to heart and plan ahead to prevent bigger issues. Both stories highlight a fire incident occurring next door that impacted valuable art collections.
picture of a smoke-damaged office that has art on its walls

1st Story (For Las Vegas Condos and Businesses): 

After a nearby fire necessitated a new roof for an older building, concerns for the art gallery next door grew. While the artworks escaped the fire, the cleanup and repairs still posed a danger to the collection. The landlord and roofing company initially lacked knowledge about caring for valuable artwork. 

(1st tip). It became the lessee's responsibility to educate them about necessary precautions. In this case, the gallery owner hired an art conservator, who provided explicit instructions about the care of the artworks. Despite the warnings, the roofing company disregarded them. It took a firm stance from the gallery owner, and the threat of a lawsuit, to save substantial cleanup costs when the roofing project didn't go as planned. 

(2nd tip). Having an experienced art professional on the gallery owner's side lent credibility. 

2nd Story (Relevant to Las Vegas Galleries): 

Recently, a New York gallery, severely affected by a neighboring fire's smoke, faced a daunting task. The disaster response company, ServPro, declined to handle the artwork due to high liability and lack of training. Seeking a professional art conservator with disaster response experience was the right move. 

(3rd tip). Referring to the American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (AIC) website for a local expert was a wise choice. High-quality art conservation labs like Fine Art Conservation Laboratories excel in handling evaluating testing cleaning artwork. They can rescue seemingly "total losses" with impressive results. 
Before & after pictures of a smoke damaged painting being cleaned


In our image, you can see a painting deemed a loss by the insurance company. It was restored to perfection, thanks to skilled painting conservators' expertise. 


 The Importance of Art Conservation in Las Vegas 

 Las Vegas, a city known for its vibrant arts and culture scene, is also home to an array of priceless artworks and antiques. These treasures can be a source of immense pride and heritage, but they are not immune to the unexpected. The dangers include such things as the perils of fire and smoke damage. The stories we share today explain the key role of art conservation in preserving the cultural heritage of Las Vegas. Because Las Vegas is a city that thrives on creativity and artistic expression, the restoration of smoke-damaged art and antiques is even more important. 

When disaster strikes, it's essential to act swiftly and wisely to protect these invaluable pieces. Here are the top three tips that can make all the difference when handling smoke-damaged artworks in Las Vegas. 


1. Educate and Advocate for Your Artwork 

In Las Vegas, where many valuable art collections are housed in condos and businesses, communication is key. The first story we shared highlights the importance of educating those responsible for repairs on how to protect artwork during renovations. Whether it's a condo owner or a business proprietor, it's essential to be proactive and take the necessary precautions (1st tip). Expert art conservators can provide detailed instructions on how to safeguard artwork. In our story, a gallery owner's persistence and a threat of legal action ensured that the roofing project proceeded as planned. This ultimately saves a significant amount on cleanup and downtime costs (2nd tip). 

 2. Seek Expert Guidance 

 The second story, which revolves around a New York gallery, serves as a valuable lesson for Las Vegas residents. When smoke damage impacts an art collection, seeking professional help is imperative. Disaster response companies, while excellent at handling certain aspects, may not be equipped to handle valuable artwork due to the high liability involved. Professional art conservators with disaster response experience are the ideal choice (3rd tip). By turning to experts in handling, evaluation, testing, and cleaning of art, you can ensure the proper care of your valuable pieces. 
 

Preserving Las Vegas's Cultural Heritage 

 Las Vegas is not only a hub for entertainment but also a city with a rich cultural heritage. The art and antiques found in the city tell a story of creativity, history, and the vibrant spirit of its residents. When disaster threatens to damage this legacy, art conservation professionals step in as the guardians of our shared history. Art conservators, like those at Fine Art Conservation Laboratories, exemplify the dedication and expertise needed to restore seemingly irreparable damage. In our image, you can see a painting that was initially declared a total loss by an insurance company but was saved through meticulous restoration. The teamwork between the clients, ServPro, and art conservators represents the collaborative spirit of Las Vegas while preserving its cultural treasures. 

Conclusion: Protecting Las Vegas's Artistic Legacy 

 As we navigate the complex world of art and antique significance in Las Vegas, it becomes evident that professional guidance is essential. Artworks and antiques are not just possessions but the embodiment of history and creativity. By learning from these stories and following the top three tips, Las Vegas residents can ensure that their cultural treasures remain vibrant and enduring, preserving the city's rich artistic legacy for generations to come. 
If you’d like to ask our conservators a question, please call (702) 757-3820 or visit our website

Fine Art Conservation Laboratories’ 45 years of expertise in preserving and restoring art offers invaluable help and practical knowledge for helping people through the insurance claim process for damaged collectibles and art pieces. Our experienced team understands the complexities of insurance claims related to art, heirlooms, and antiques, providing reports that are properly prepared with information that the insurance company never puts in doubt. Fine Art Conservation Laboratories charges flat fees for this work, not a percentage of the claim settlement, and our expertise is honored nationwide. Let us help make the art, heirloom, and collectible part of the insurance claim process as seamless as possible and preserve your peace of mind. 

This blog post has been syndicated at ExpertClick.com. 
What does it mean that this article is “ syndicated”? It’s a bit of a coup to get an article syndicated, and it’s certainly prestigious, as additional “proof” that the info and the author are considered far and wide authoritative and an expert in the field. So, enjoy and trust our content!! 

This article was syndicated for USA National Redistribution. When something is published, usually by a news source, and is made available through different venues for redistribution then it is said to be syndicated. Publications that are syndicated are usually considered of value as being from an expert, educational, new worthy, or valuable for wide popular interest. 

See the syndication page at the renowned publicity site: https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/ 
 This website’s syndication included: 
  •  1) Included in the ExpertClick Press Room as a ‘press release.’ (different than a ‘news release’) 
  •  2) Included in the ‘Speaker Bureau Platform Page.’ 
  •  3) Shown on the front page of ExpertClick, in rotation with other most recent posts. 
  •  4) Shown in the ‘News Release Results page.’ 
  •  5) Included on optimized for searches on all my topics of expertise. 
  •  6) Shown via RSS linked from the Press Room. (A specific way news is actively distributed within the industry) 
  •  7) Shown in the full RSS feed from ExpertClick. (Another, different specific way news is actively distributed within the industry) 
  •  8) Syndicated to LexisNexis.com As of 2006, the company had the world’s largest electronic database for legal and public-records-related information, distributor of academic content, and expert opinion. 
 This article has been syndicated at https://www.expertclick.com/NRWire/