Frank M.
Yelp
There is a reason why Park West auctioneers say over and over again "Buy what you like!" It is because they are not making claims that this art is worth what you are paying nor are they predicting any art to appreciate in value. Will some art appreciate? Of course. Will some be over-hyped? Absolutely. I have been purchasing from Park West for over 20 years through on-land auctions, special weekend getaway events, their new weekend online auctions, and (yes) even the occasional cruise auction. Have I purchased at some great prices; I certainly have. Have I purchased art that I enjoy; Absolutely! Have I seen people, over and over again, get caught up in the excitement and hype....I can't begin to count how many times I have seen that happen over and over! Yes, Peter Max is a leading world-class artist, but his work is available for significantly less than the prices Park West sets for his work. The same with many of their other artists who are under contract with Park West. If you are partial to a special artist, whether it is a Dali, Tarkay, or other master-artist, look around at other nationally recognized art auctioneers (online or not), and you will certainly see price differences. If you are looking for an artist that is "exclusive" to Park West, you will even find that artist in many places when people resell (and people often resell!). I have ALOT of Park West artwork in my collection but I did not buy most of them from PW.... I got them on the secondary auction market for (literally) pennies on the dollar of what PW asks for (their cruise labels still on the back of the frame). If you actually attend a physical gallery auction and a PW artwork comes up for auction, it isn't uncommon to hear an auctioneer say "Oh look; someone went on a cruise!".
I AM NOT saying that Park West art is bad or not worthwhile. I just suggest that, just as you would buying a car or a significant purchase, don't get caught in the hype or rhetoric; pull out your phone and use some of those "free internet cruise minutes" to Google the artist! You may find that a new and upcoming artist is an excellent price (or someone that PW is just getting rid of inventory)... in other words "Buy what you like!" :-)