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Black velvet painting museum
In Albuquerque, New Mexico, it's not uncommon to see people selling velvet paintings from a parking lot stand. Whenever I passed by these makeshift displays, I always wondered who might buy such paintings. I have an answer. There is one couple in Portland, Oregon who has bought more than 1,000 over the past ten years.
Collecting velvet paintings is an endeavor they take seriously and have a museum to prove it. At the Velveteria Museum, they showcase 300 pieces from their collection that run the scope of velvet painting "art," Subjects and style vary. From jungle cats to women who smoke, they have it all.
Now that I've found out about this place, I do have a heightened curiosity about velvet painting traditions and what are the most popular. I read a review in Portland Picks,( #6 on the list), and Velveteria gets a plug for a fun place to brush up on kitsch. According to the description, paintings have been purchased from as far away as Peru.
It's amazing to me the various items people collect. If there's the space to display the goods, there you have it--a museum. Consider the Captain Beany, the guy in Wales who has a museum to honor baked beans. See what I mean?
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Learning, Stories, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
susan ross May 20th 2008 4:52PM
We at the Chicago Architecture Foundation agree that Chicago and our architecture are not to be missed. Next time, please consider the 80+ architecture tours, by river cruise, walking or by bus -- all led by volunteer docents. Find us at architecture.org
April Whitney May 20th 2008 5:40PM
The Velveteria does not sell any of their paintings, but you can bring some home in their new book, "Black Velvet Masterpieces" which has 300 of their varied collection along with a history of the art and a tutorial on how to make your own. Check it out at:
http://www.chroniclebooks.com/index/main,book-info/store,books/products_id,7123
The cover is even velvety!
David Nov 22nd 2008 10:51AM
Some of my father's painting are displayed at the Velveteria museum. I have many that are for sale. Visit my father's gallery at www.davegrave.com/art.htm
Ren May 22nd 2008 10:37PM
Velvet paintings are simultaneously revolting and glorious. I'll have to stop in over there and check it out. Human beings are indeed an interesting creature...
Charles Howes Jun 29th 2008 12:20PM
Looking for any BVP by Earp!
Tara Feb 5th 2009 7:04AM
Where can I buy a velvet painting? I live in PA, so Oregon and New Mexico are kind of out of the picture. Is there a certain website that will sell them or is it just kind of hit or miss on Ebay and similar sites?
Jamie Rhein Feb 3rd 2009 7:45AM
Tara, I'm not sure. I'd call the museum to ask, for one thing and why not check out commenter David dad's website. It's comment #3. Good luck! I think Ebay would be a good bet as well.
William Sharkey Jul 31st 2009 1:51PM
I have two hawaiian black velvet paintings. These were puchased back in the late 1970's. I am trying to find information on the artists. One was painted by "Eaton" and the other was painted by "DePonce".
Any information on these artists would be grealy appreciated.