Collect Art with Confidence and Purpose
Discover exceptional art without the gallery intimidation or costly mistakes. Build a collection you'll treasure for decades
What Makes Me Different
I Identify Undervalued Artists Before Others Do My experience as an outsider taught me to recognize authentic talent that mainstream gatekeepers might miss. With 15+ years of curatorial experience at institutions like Oakland Museum of California and San Jose ICA, I combine museum-level evaluation skills with an insider's understanding of who gets overlooked. Artists I've championed early now show at major institutions and command significant market attention.
Behind-the-Scenes Access + Advocacy I currently manage hundreds of artworks including the prestigious Olivia Collection across LA and Mexico City. Through close working relationships with artists and galleries, from emerging talents to established names, I get first access to new works before they reach the public market. This gives me insider access to studios, private sales, and opportunities most collectors never see.
Collections That Create Cultural Impact I help financially successful people use their resources meaningfully, building collections that create cultural impact while appreciating in value. Every piece connects to something larger than decoration—you're investing in the future of contemporary culture while supporting underrepresented voices who deserve broader recognition.
Built for Your World Whether you're furnishing a new home in the Hills or creating a meaningful environment for your downtown office, I understand that busy professionals need an advisor who gets it. I adapt to your timeline and recognize that every professional's vision for collecting is unique.
How I Help You Succeed
Collection Management and Strategic Partnership: Comprehensive stewardship for serious collectors
Complete collection management across multiple properties, exhibition coordination, and strategic cultural development. I oversee everything from cataloging and conservation to curatorial programming and foundation projects.Foundation Program for New Collectors From curious to confident collector
Structured year-long partnership that builds both your knowledge and your collection. You'll develop genuine expertise while acquiring 3-5 exceptional pieces with complete confidence.Per-Acquisition Guidance Expert support for individual purchases
Professional guidance for specific art acquisitions without ongoing commitment. Complete due diligence, market analysis, and acquisition coordination for each piece.Art World Experiences Cultural immersion and behind-the-scenes access
Beyond collecting guidance, I offer curated cultural experiences that deepen your connection to the art world. From private studio visits with artists to curator-led gallery navigation and art fair guidance, these experiences provide insider access and cultural context that enhance your collecting journey. Multi-day cultural immersion programs combine studio visits, collector home tours, and exclusive cultural access in key art destinations like Los Angeles and Mexico City.
My approach
Museum-Level Standards, Personal Service My background in curating exhibitions at major institutions means I evaluate art with rigorous standards. But unlike museums, I'm focused entirely on what works for your life and goals.
Cultural Awareness Meets Market Intelligence I help you discover diverse voices and perspectives while ensuring smart financial decisions. Great collections tell stories and support meaningful cultural conversations.
Education Over Sales My job isn't to sell you art; it's to teach you to collect with confidence and intention. When you understand quality and value, you make better decisions for decades to come.
Long-Term Relationships The best collections develop over years, not months. I'm here for the journey, helping your collection evolve as your taste and circumstances change.
What Clients Say
- Law Professor, Chicago
“My wife and I didn’t realise that we had already begun building a modest art collection until Patricia Valdez pointed it out. She expertly assessed our style and taste, and when the right opportunity came along, presented us with the opportunity to acquire a valuable work that has since quintupled in value.
Without Patricia’s eye and her gentle guidance, we would not have enjoyed the opportunity to obtain a piece that we truly love and is admired by all our visitors. That the work has also been a smart investment is a plus (much smarter than the NFT offerings available at the same time we made this purchase).
Patricia’s connections as a curator also made it possible for us to meet the artist, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I look forward to working with her again and again.”
-Family of Four, Oakland Hills
“Working with Patricia was an exceptional experience from start to finish. Patricia is an incredibly talented and passionate art expert who truly cares about her clients. She took the time to understand our interests and style, and her curated recommendations resulted in three absolutely stunning and unique pieces that we adore. Her professionalism, attention to detail, and dedication made the entire process seamless and enjoyable. Patricia's expertise and personalized approach set her apart, and we highly recommend her to anyone looking to elevate their art collection!”
- Communications Director, Los Angeles
“Initially, we were afraid of making the wrong choices when it came to investing in art—but working with Patricia was empowering. Her wealth of knowledge and thoughtful approach led to finding the perfect pieces. We trust both her expertise and that she has our best interests at heart.”
-Manager, Enterprise Strategy at Global Consulting Company, Long Beach