Frequently Asked Questions

1. What can you tell me about my work of art?
2. What is my work of art worth?
3. I want to sell my work of art. Will you buy it or tell me how to sell it?
4. I would like to donate my work of art to your museum. What would I need to do?

What can you tell me about my work of art? t o p

The Whitney Gallery of Western Art receives many questions from private collectors asking for information about works of art that they own or about the works of art of a particular artist. Although it is not within the scope of our public mission to do extensive research for private individuals, we encourage the understanding and appreciation of western art by serving as a research resource, responding to specific inquiries and pointing individuals to other sources for information, as our resources and time permit. We have prepared bibliographies on some artists. Often, individuals ask about a specific work of art, but provide very limited information about the work, which makes it difficult for our museum or other sources to respond. We have prepared Guidelines for documenting works of art. Private collectors will increase their own knowledge and be in a stronger position to obtain advice by documenting their works of art as suggested.

What is my work of art worth? t o p

Staff members of the Buffalo Bill Historical Center are prohibited by museum policy from providing appraisals. We do not offer opinions on financial value. Researching financial value or obtaining an official appraisal is the private collector’s responsibility. Sometimes, Whitney Gallery staff members might be able to point private collectors to methods of researching financial value. Organizations of appraisers can be consulted. Here is a list of appraisal organizations.

I want to sell my work of art. Will you buy it or tell me how to sell it? t o p

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is always interested in improving its collections, but realistically, we are not often in a position to purchase works of art. We have extremely limited funds for acquisitions, and we have institutionally defined priorities. If you would like to provide information and imagery on a work of art that you wish to sell, we will review your material in reference to our collections priorities and as part of our efforts to be informed about western American art. We can sometimes offer guidance in methods of researching the western art scene, but we are not able to advise individuals on the sale of their private property.

I would like to donate my work of art to your museum. What would I need to do? t o p

The Buffalo Bill Historical Center is very grateful to the many people who have helped to build our collections through donations. We continue to develop our holdings through generous gifts. Donating a work of art is a noble action. Our process involves a review to make certain that a possible acquisition would be appropriate for our collections, that we would be able to use and care for it, and that the donor’s concerns are addressed. We would ask collectors to contact us. Curatorial staff will respond so that we can discuss any concerns that the potential donor might have and how the work might fit in the museum’s collections.