Yelp for the Art World…What Could Go Wrong?

Featured on observer.com

Art enthusiasts, collectors, artists and advisors, behold: the Yelp for art services. The first public database of art companies in the U.S. officially launched today. This can’t be bad, right? I mean…

Two former Christie’s executives, Jessica Paindiris and Gaia Banovich, created The Clarion List, which gives art collectors access to reviews of a range of services.

“While we were there [at Christie’s], we noticed that the art market was very opaque,” Ms. Paindiris told the Observer. “We realized everyone was relying on word of mouth or referrals. This is kind of silly. We should welcome the art world to the 21st century.”

Whether you’re looking for an art gallery, a private dealer, an attorney or an art storage provider, The Clarion List has you covered. The founders believe the platform will be helpful to both seasoned collectors and new collectors alike. “Even if you don’t consider yourself an art collector, if you just inherited your parent’s work, the site can be helpful,” Ms. Paindiris said.

The new platform currently lists companies in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Miami and Palm Beach, Fla. All directory and listings are available for free.

“We’re trying to democratize the art market, and make it accessible and transparent for the first time,” Ms. Paindiris explained. A lofty goal to be sure, but one that no regulatory agency or governmental body has yet accomplished. Still, the internet is pretty amazing.

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