MOBIUS: art conservation Art conservation can be a complex endeavor..... like the field of medicine for example. Without seeing the patient, a doctor cannot diagnose, recommend treatment, or estimate fees unless he or she has had time to directly examine the patient. The same is true for car mechanics and art conservators. We all sell our most valuable resources which are Time and Expertise and we have established fees. Art conservators in private practice can charge from $100 and perhaps twice that. Restorers, framers, artists, students, and others with less training and experience can afford to work for much lower rates but with unexpected results ranging from wonderful to distressing.This is what we provide our art conservation clients and here are the fees:We schedule appointments to examine your artwork(s) at $65 per item. This may require 45 minutes to 2 hours of our time and yours (more time will be spent by us after you leave.) There is no charge if we decline to perform a conservation treatment or make a referral.Comprehensive Laboratory Examinations with Condition Reports, and/or Letters to Insurance Companies, Attorneys, Appraisers, or Auction Houses are billed at $125 per hour with a 3 hour minimum. Laboratory analysis, appraisals, or authentications are referred to our associates.During the professional consultation, you can expect us to: carefully remove the painting from its frame perform solubility and other testing of surface dirt, varnish layers, pigments, binding materials, etc. assess physical conditions and structural problems relating to tears, paint losses, flaking, stretcher bars, etc. generate a Treatment Proposal and discuss treatment options and estimates discuss the legal aspects of the Conditions for Conservation plan a time table for completion of  the project discuss the client's expectations discuss limitations and possible risks .........and more Sometimes evaluations require that the artwork be left at the studio/lab for further analysis and a Treatment Proposal is generated within one week. Insurance is carried by the Owner under their home owner or renter's insurance policy during treatment, storage, and/or transport (if necessary). Here are the reasons you will definitely want to make an appointment: you love your art no matter what its value it is in poor condition it is irreplaceable it has great sentimental value it has artistic or art historic value it has religious, cultural, or historic value it has moderate, substantial, or exceptional monetary value you want to develop a relationship with an art conservator you plan to store or transport your art safely and are thinking in advance you are concerned with the long term preservation of your art collection you have created a realistic conservation budget Let us make an appointment and have a chat.If driving to Santa Cruz is not convenient for you, we can bring our "mini" lab to your home. We bill at $100 per hour for portal to portal driving time. The above services are assessed at $125 per hour with a one hour minimum and billed in quarter hour increments thereafter. Assessments in the home areestimatespending further testing in the lab/studio.Alternatively, you can make an appointment at Zyt Gallery in Los Altos at 650. 949. 2866 if this is more convenient for you. We take appointments at their framing establishment and art gallery on the third Saturday of every month. You may take your painting to Zyt Gallery in Fremont at 510. 795. 1335. You may also take your painting toStudio 7 in Pleasantonbut call us first to discuss this. Please call and schedule an appointment anytime between 10:00 am and 7:00 pm seven days a week. We prefer not to schedule appointments by email. Besides, you want to talk to us in person anyway! With your participation, we can make this a fascinating experience and you will learn quite a lot about your artwork and the subject of art conservation. Also, we maintain the highest standards in art conservation, restoration, and/or preservation and intend to help you enjoy your artwork for many years to come.Cordially, Chris J. Kenney, MAConservator of Paintings2510 Felt StreetSanta Cruz, CA95062www.mobiusart.com ...read more