Art advisory

Frequently asked questions

If your question is not answered here, ask us directly. Art is personal; the process can be too.

COLLECTING

What is Maui Fine Art Collective?
Maui Fine Art Collective is an artist-led doorway into Maui's working art community. We connect collectors with original works, editions and commissions by artists living and working on Maui.

Do I need to be on Maui to collect?
No. MFAC is digital by design and serves collectors beyond Maui. Some work can also be seen in person on the island; because displays change, write us before making a special trip.

How do I purchase a work?
Works that are appropriate for direct online purchase can be acquired through the artwork page and checkout. Originals, major sculpture, commissions or pieces requiring additional coordination may instead invite you to request details or begin a conversation with MFAC.

Do I need to be an experienced collector?
No. MFAC works with people making a first art purchase and people adding to established collections. You do not need specialized vocabulary to begin. Tell us what is holding your attention and we can start there.

Can MFAC help me choose?
Yes. Share the works you are considering, a photograph of your space, approximate dimensions, a place or artist that matters to you, or simply a sense of what you are drawn toward. We can prepare a focused selection rather than asking you to sort through everything alone.

Can I see work in person?
Some work can be seen in person on Maui. Because artwork moves and availability changes, write MFAC before visiting if there is a specific piece you want to see. Write aloha@mauifineartcollective.com.

Are prices shown in U.S. dollars?
Yes. Unless otherwise stated, prices are shown in U.S. dollars.

WORKS AT SCALE

What is Works at Scale?
Works at Scale is an MFAC program for artworks in which physical scale is part of how the artist intends the work to be experienced. The program begins with unique photographic works by Lance Ehrecke created specifically for architectural scale.

How large are Lance Ehrecke's Works at Scale?
The inaugural works are intended to be realized at approximately 10–15 feet wide. Final dimensions are developed proportionally in relationship to the work, wall and viewing distance.

Are Works at Scale editions?
Lance Ehrecke's inaugural Works at Scale are unique 1/1 collector works, not open or numbered commercial editions. Future works by other artists will state their own edition or uniqueness structure clearly.

Can I see a Work at Scale in my room first?
Yes. Eligible works include an AR preview, and MFAC can develop a Wall + Scale Study using the dimensions and visual context of the space before fabrication begins.

Why does acquisition begin at $100,000?
Works at Scale are unique physical works developed individually with their collector. Final project scope includes the artwork, scale development, specialized fabrication, insured handling, professional installation coordination, onsite artist signing and provenance documentation. A fixed proposal is established before commitment.

Does buying the work transfer copyright?
No. The collector acquires the unique physical artwork. Copyright and reproduction rights remain with the artist unless a separate written agreement explicitly states otherwise.

What happens if a unique work is catastrophically damaged?
Replacement rights, if any, are defined in the individual acquisition agreement. Any replacement must preserve the work's unique 1/1 status and provenance so two collector examples cannot exist simultaneously.

ARTWORK AND AUTHENTICATION

Are works authenticated?
MFAC works directly with participating artists.

The artwork page identifies whether a work is original or editioned and, as each artist’s documentation system is completed, states the signature, numbering, certificate or other documentation that accompanies it.

If a detail is not clear, ask us before acquiring the work.

What is the difference between an original and an edition?
An original is a one-of-one artwork. An edition is a work intentionally produced in more than one authorized example. Edition size and presentation vary by artist and work. The artwork page states the current edition information available for that piece.

What is an open edition?
An open edition is authorized by the artist but is not restricted to a predetermined lifetime quantity. It provides a more accessible way to collect certain photographic or printed works.

What is a limited edition?
A limited edition has a defined maximum number of authorized examples. Once that edition is complete, no additional examples should be produced in the same edition configuration.

PRESENTATION

Can I preview a piece in my room?
Yes. Eligible works can be previewed through mobile augmented reality where available.

You can also send MFAC a straight-on photograph of the wall and approximate dimensions for a complimentary proportional visualization.

Can sizes be customized?
Sometimes. Photography and certain editioned works may allow additional sizes or presentation formats, while originals and many artist-specific works do not. Ask us about the particular piece rather than assuming every work can be changed.

Do you provide framing or presentation guidance?
Yes. Presentation is part of the finished artwork experience. Available options vary by medium and artist, and MFAC can help coordinate framing, photographic finishes and installation considerations where appropriate.

Does buying the artwork transfer copyright?
No. Acquiring the physical artwork does not transfer copyright or reproduction rights unless a separate written agreement expressly states otherwise.

Will the artwork look exactly like it does on my screen?
Screens vary in brightness, calibration and color rendering. MFAC uses accurate artwork files, but a screen cannot guarantee an exact representation of the physical work.

What happens to a room photograph I send for visualization?
MFAC uses the photograph only to provide the requested advisory or visualization service. It is not published or used for marketing without separate permission.

See Privacy for the current retention policy.

SHIPPING

Do you ship outside Maui?
Yes. MFAC serves collectors beyond Maui and can coordinate shipping for eligible works. Delivery method, insurance, crating and timing vary significantly by artwork, size and destination. Write us about the specific piece.

Do you coordinate installation?
For larger or more complex works, MFAC can help discuss installation requirements and coordinate appropriate resources when available. Site-specific installation services vary by destination.

Is shipping included?
Shipping depends on the work and destination. The artwork page or written purchase terms state whether shipping is included. Oversized and international work may require a separate shipping quote.

Are taxes or import duties included?
Applicable sales tax is calculated where required. International duties, taxes, customs charges and local fees are the collector's responsibility unless the artwork page or written purchase terms state otherwise.

What if artwork arrives damaged?
Contact MFAC immediately and keep the original packaging. Send clear photographs of the artwork, packaging, shipping label and visible damage. For original artwork, report transit damage within 48 hours so the applicable carrier and insurance process can begin.

Can I return an original?
Unless the artwork or written purchase agreement states different terms, contact MFAC within seven days of receiving the work.

See Returns & Cancellations for complete terms.

COMMISSIONS

Can I commission an MFAC artist?
Some MFAC artists accept commissions. Begin by telling us what you are considering. We will help determine whether a particular artist's practice is a natural fit and whether that artist is currently accepting commissioned work. Not every artist takes commissions.

How long does a commission take?
There is no universal timeline. Scale, material, complexity and the artist's schedule all matter. Timing and milestones are agreed upon before the commission begins.

DESIGN AND HOSPITALITY

Do you work with interior designers and architects?
Yes. MFAC can provide artwork sourcing, focused project selections, dimensions and specifications, digital placement studies, commissions and coordination around presentation, delivery and installation.

Do you offer trade pricing?
Write MFAC with your project information. We will say what is actually possible for that artist, work and project.

Can MFAC support an entire hospitality or commercial project?
Yes, when the project and artist roster are an appropriate fit. We can help source across multiple artists, coordinate commissions and support larger presentation and installation requirements.

ARTISTS

How does MFAC select artists?
MFAC considers artistic point of view, quality of practice, Maui connection, professionalism, contribution to the overall roster and whether the artist is ready to participate in a collector-facing platform.

Must artists live on Maui?
MFAC is built around artists living and working on Maui. Write us if you have a question about membership.

How can an artist be considered?
Visit For Artists and begin a conversation. MFAC reviews artists intentionally rather than onboarding automatically.