About Ben Mahmoud Expertise Questions regarding "the business of the arts (ie.artist/dealer relations).
Questions regarding the collecting of contemporary art.
Please keep in mind that I am not a professional appraiser, however, I can direct interested parties to sources of information.
Experience 40 years as professor of art, Northern Illinois University
Curator of University Art Collection (responsible for purchase and care).
Member of the board of directors, Illinois Arts Council.
Juror of many competitions.
See vitae: http://benmahmoud.com/resume.html
Publications Many conference proceedings.
"Advice to Young Artists in a Postmodern Era" with William Dunning, Syracuse University Press, 2000.
Education/Credentials MFA, Ohio University, 1960
Awards and Honors See vitae: http://http://benmahmoud.com/resume.html
Question Hi. I have an original oil, abstract, 12x12 on what appears to be canvas like board. Its signed on bottom left and dated '55 Have you ever heard of Roger Barr? I don't really like the painting so I am curious as to its possible value before giving it away. Thank you in advance.
Answer Your problem is a very easy one to solve. Roger Barr is still alive and actively exhibiting his work.
The best thing that I think you can do is contact Barr, himself. Here is link to a page:
When you go to that page you will see just below the headline, "Contact Roger Barr." You will have to register in order to get to him. So, when you click on "Contact Roger Barr" you will be sent to another page.
You will see on the right hand side of the screen, "Register Free." Do that, and I think you will be able to contact him.
You will see a list of Roger Barr's work that indicates San Francisco Museum holds a number of his works. You could simply call that museum and ask to speak to the curator, If you get that far, you can ask the curator your question.
Given the number of museums that hold his work, I would assume that the work you have is of some value.
If you have mores questions, do not hesitate to ask.
