We love those garage sale paintings

Question: Thanks for validating some of my feelings about finding hidden treasures in older artwork sometimes found in antique stores or garage sales. I have found a couple interesting paintings that way and have seen many others over the years that would have been delightful to use as decorating touches.

I live in Coeur d'Alene and I bought a picture a couple years ago at a yard sale that is an old "portrait type" picture of a lady in what appears to be dress of the 1800's. There is no signature on the front and the canvas is mounted on a board, so I can't see if anyone signed the back. Would you know where I might look to find out if it would have any significant value? -- Evalyn Adams

Answer: I talked to Dennis Bergstrom, a reference librarian at the downtown branch of the Spokane Public Library, and he said they frequently get this question. According to Bergstrom, the downtown Reference Department has the largest collection of art resources in the area.

It's awfully hard to get a lot of information on an unsigned piece. You might want to bring the portrait to one of the appraisal events that are coming up. There will be an art expert at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture appraisal days on March 19 and 20.