Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Exhibitions & Gift, Purchases and Authentication of Works of Art

Q. May I submit a proposal for an exhibition or display of my own or another artist’s work?

A: The VBMA is unable to review unsolicited proposals for the exhibition of artwork. Additionally, most of the Museum’s exhibitions are self-curated and/or traveling exhibitions. This approach allows VBMA to consider factors such as art historical significance, thematic coherence, logistical feasibility, and alignment with institutional goals.

VBMA is not responsible for returning physical materials submitted to the Museum (CVs, catalogs, images, etc.),

Q. Does the museum purchase art?

A: The VBMA acquires works of art for its collection through gifts, purchases, and bequests. After the Chief Curator reviews the works, she makes recommendations to the Collections Committee, which meets four times each year. The Committee reviews these recommendations and, upon approval, accession the works into the collection, assigning each a designated object number.

Q. May I donate my works to the VBMA?

A: Although you may offer a work or works of art to the Museum as a gift or bequest, the Museum cannot guarantee acceptance until the Collections Committee has reviewed it. The committee assesses whether the donation aligns with collection priorities and meets the criteria outlined in our Collections Management Policy.

Please contact Chief Curator Caitlin Swindell at cswindell@vbmuseum.org if you would like to gift a work of art. Provide an image and as much information as possible.

Q. Can you help me determine the value of a work of art in my own collection?

A: In accordance with best practices for museums, the Vero Beach Museum of Art is unable to appraise or authenticate works of art on behalf of the general public. Please refer to the “Find an Appraiser or Conservator” section on the Appraisals page of our website.