The Daily Dali: Recent Comments

Comment on The Divine Comedy: Exhibit of 100 Wood Engravings by Salvador Dali

Rick & Nancy — Thu, 14 May 2009 18:47:24 GMT

My wife and I have had a rare Salvador Dali lithograph tilted, “Strawberry” in our family for twenty seven years. We have enjoyed this fine piece as it was displayed by one family member or another through the years. As time has passed, needs, wants and desires change; and we felt it was time for our “Strawberry” Dali to have a new home with new eyes to enjoy this fine piece of art.
We went to three reputable art dealers in our area, all of them impressed that we had such a rare lithograph of Dali. Unfortunately, none of them had the expertise or experience to sell such a piece for us. We were recommended by the third art dealer we spoke with to contact the dealer of all dealers when it comes to Salvador Dali artwork; that dealer was Bengis Fine Art. We spoke to Jerry Bengis and he agreed after seeing the lithograph to sell it for us. Through the process, he was professional, uplifting and supportive. To quote one of his statements early on in the process he said, “We will surely find a home for your Dali”. That is just what he did.
Thank you Jerry for your kindness and support along the way.
Sincerely, Rick and Nancy

Comment on The Divine Comedy: Exhibit of 100 Wood Engravings by Salvador Dali

Roman — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 05:17:02 GMT

I've discussed Modern Art prints with various art dealers over the years and have never found anyone who is as knowledgeable and ethical as Jerry Bengis. On more than one occasion he has guided me to art prints fitting my collection and pocket book. Anyone interested in collecting art should talk with Jerry first. His knowledge of Dali prints is significantly more than any other so called "experts" I have talked with. Unkept promises and rude treatment from other dealers have made me a loyal Jerry Bengis fan and customer.

Comment on Art Auction for Lotus House Shelter

brenda bengis — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 13:32:21 GMT

Art can be appreciated and also be a catalyst for change or cathartic for others In the case of Marty and Constance, they re proud to share their vast art collection with others and have some cutting edge art and perhaps one of the finest collections of photography in the world.

Beyond art the Margulies' are commited to the community. Constance created the Lotus House Shelter for Homeless Women and taps into the large network of artists and collectors to help fund this outstanding project in Overtown. The Lotus House is much more than a shelter. It provides the women with art lessons, yoga, cooking lessons, and a chance to appreciate their own self worth.
Constance is a dedicated woman, selflessly working for the benefit of women who otherwise have no voice.
Jerry and I admire this amazing couple and support the Lotus House and the Sundari Foundation, Inc.

Comment on Constance and Marty Margulies

Alan L Postman — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:30:17 GMT

I have known Jerry for approximately six years. During these years we have had many discussions about art. I have always found him to be extremely
knowledgeable especially about Dali’s work. I have also found him to be an
honest and honorable man in any dealings that I have had with him personally. My wife and I consider Jerry and his wife Brenda to be good friends.

Alan L. Postman (Retired Judge)

Comment on Constance and Marty Margulies

the Riskins — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 00:20:20 GMT

We have the honor of having a half dozen of Jerry's art work in our home. He shows only the best and we receive so many compliments. Your purchase is absoutely worth the value of the art and more. Geri and Wayne Riskin

Comment on Collecting Limited Edition Art Prints

Sandra Lee — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:13:24 GMT

Just wanted to send you a quick note of "thanks" for your time and help today. Your blog post reiterates your advice to me and it makes perfect sense.

It seems it comes down to really loving the art bought, which I always have. The only exception for me on this would be the Nechita I bought last. I was looking at it as an "investment" and wouldn't care to hang it anywhere. With this in mind, I'm going to see about returning it to the seller.

Thanks again for your help and expertise!

I'll be sending you info for appraisals and have put in an email to my homeowners agent re: insurance premiums for art, as well.

Again, thanks for your help. And, I'll be in touch!

Comment on Collecting Limited Edition Art Prints

Art in NY — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 13:35:03 GMT

Jerry Bengis has been an asset in starting my art collection. His depth of knowledge of art and of the industry is always impressive and I look to him as a guide. I whole heartedly recommend Jerry to anyone seeking to similarly start or add to their art collection.

Comment on Collecting Limited Edition Art Prints

Martin Margulies — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:10:29 GMT

Over the years I have collected paintings, sculpture, and occasionally prints come my way to evaluate. Not knowledgeable in this field there's no one I respect more than Jerry Bengis to give me an accurate, honest evaluation.

Comment on My First Knowledge of Salvador Dali

Jim Weiner — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 11:26:50 GMT

My wife and I first met Jerry at an Art Show in Miami many years ago. We have collected a variety of different artists and this time we were looking at a Miro, but were unsure. We found Jerry to both friendly and knowledgeable. It didn't take long before we became friends with Jerry and his wife. We spent much time in his home and in his private gallery. Over the years he learned our taste in art, but also provided much education. He even showed us pieces in his possession that he had acquired that he used as to show of how many people are making copies of the masters and to be careful. I would take pieces that I would acquire to him for authentication, because I knew he could tell the real from the fake. I think we have done pretty well over the years, with only one questionable piece that was said to be a Picasso, but Jerry told us it was probably a copy. I know about the recent information in the art market and the things you might read about Jerry Bengis, but he has always been honest in his dealings with me. I have purchased probably 30+ pieces of art from him over the years. Jerry, has assured me, as well as, as all of his customers and friends, that if anything proves to be a bad piece he would make it right. That is what an honest friend and dealer does. My family and I have always valued his and his wife's friendship and will continue to do so.

Comment on Collecting Limited Edition Art Prints

Sharon — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 01:12:44 GMT

I have taken several works to Jerry Bengis and Bengis Fine Art and I am more than completely satisfied with the expertise with which these works were reviewed.