OAKLAND, Calif. — Clars Auction Gallery, one of the largest full-service auction houses in the western United States, has announced its expansion to the Pacific Northwest. Their new operation is centrally located in the region, in Vancouver, Washington, just north of Portland, Oregon.
“We have looked at expanding to the Pacific Northwest for a while,” said Clars’ president, Redge Martin. “We recognize this region as a sophisticated fine art and antiques community that is worthy of top-rate auction service. The current market has created an ideal time to be opening our satellite office. The decision was a result both of the improving economy once again making fine art and antiques a solid investment class, and Clars’ earlier commitment to developing a huge online bidding [presence], which has driven our global buying and selling market to new heights…”
Clars holds several auction records for both fine and decorative arts. Gaining national news attention in the recent past was their sale of an undiscovered Old Master painting which fetched over $600,000, a 1948 Tucker that brought over $750,000 and a 20th-century Chinese brush pot, attributed to Wang Bu, that just sold for $530,000. Clars routinely represents major estates, which, in the past, have included the Estate of Merv Griffin. The company has worked with several museums in deaccession including the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, Denver Art Museum and the Honolulu Museum of Art.
Jan G. Krane, a nationally recognized fine art expert and dealer who brings over with him 20 years of experience on both the national and international level, will head the new Northwest operation. Mr. Krane has worked extensively with major private collectors, corporate collections and museums. His in-depth knowledge spans all areas of luxury items and fine art.
Jan Krane will be fully supported by Clars’ specialists in each department including: Fine Art, Decorative Arts and Furnishings, Jewelry & Timepieces; and Asian Works of Art.
Initially, consignments from the Northwest will be sold at Clars monthly two-day fine art and antiques auctions held at their gallery in Oakland.
To contact Jan Krane regarding consignment and/or sale of property, call 360-200-6211 or e-mail jkrane@clars.com. Online: www.clars.com.
# # #
ADDITIONAL IMAGE OF NOTE
