We are here to make sure you have a great experience browsing and buying artwork. Your feedback and questions are extremely valuable to us and we love to hear from you. Email: info@odysseyartisans.com
The Artist
Q: Where are our artists from?
A: Our artists are from all over the world, currently we host artists from West Africa.
Q: How do we select artists to be on our platform?
A: All artists go through a screening process conducted by our executives. We base our selections on three criteria: technique, style of art and customer demand.
Q: How can I apply to be part of the Odyssey Artisans ecosystem?
A: Apply using this link.
Purchasing
Q: Do I need an account to purchase art?
A: Yes, in order to make a purchase you are required to set up an Odyssey Artisans account with an email address and password. If you have not already created an account, you will be prompted to do so upon checkout.
Q: What payments does Odyssey Artisans accept?
A: Odyssey Artisans is a fully transactional ecommerce platform. Unless indicated as “Sold,” all items on the site are for sale and available to purchase directly through the site. To make a purchase, visit the detail page for the item you wish to buy and click “Add to Cart.” You can access Your Cart at any time by clicking the Cart page link, which is located in the site header. From the Cart page, you can continue the checkout process by selecting your preferred payment method (either credit card or PayPal). If you are not signed in to Odyssey Artisans upon purchase, you will be prompted either to do so or to create an Odyssey Artisans account if you are not already registered.
Q: What are your return and cancellation policies?
A: If for any reason you are not satisfied with your purchase of an Odyssey Artisans piece, you may return within 30 days of receipt and receive a free replacement of equal value or a full refund for the price of the product. Shipping charges will not be refunded, and return shipment costs are the responsibility of the customer. If you do decide to return, please follow these specific instructions:
1. Email info@odysseyartisans.com with your order number and specific reason for the return.
2. Odyssey Artisans will get back to you with a prepaid return shipping label. The cost of the shipping label will be deducted from your refund amount.
3. Pack the artwork back in the original tube or box as well as all of the packaging materials and certificate of authenticity that was included in the package or emailed. No returns will be accepted without the proper paperwork and the works need to be returned in perfect condition in their original packaging to qualify for returns.
4. Ship it back to the designated address.
Q: Can I view the art in person before purchase?
A: All artworks can only be viewed through our website.
Website Functionality
Q: Can I change the language on the website?
A: Yes, our website can be translated into English, French and Spanish.
Q: How do I know if an item is available?
A: All items are available for sale unless indicated as “Sold.”
Shipping
Q: How are shipping costs determined?
A: Shipping costs are determined based on the price, dimensions, and weight of the item purchased, as well as by the item’s origin and the shipping destination. Most orders are processed and shipped within 10 to 14 business days. However, some items may be processed faster, while others might take more time, particularly if they require special packing or handling.
When your order ships, you will receive a shipment confirmation email with a tracking number. You can check the status of your package and the estimated delivery date online by the tracking number.
Q: Do I need to sign for my package upon delivery?
A: Yes, all packages must be accepted and signed for upon delivery due to the valuable nature of the artworks.
Q: How is shipping insurance calculated?
Insurance is automatically included in shipping fees and covers door-to-door handling.
Q: What do I do--if my artwork arrives damaged?
A: In the unfortunate event that your order arrives in less than satisfactory condition, simply take one digital photo of the item and one of the shipping container it arrived in, then attach the photos to an email and send to info@odysesyartisians.com. An Odyssey Artisan representative will get back to you in 2 business days on how to proceed with your order.
The Art Work
Q: How are artworks authenticated?
A certificate of authenticity is a signed document proving the authenticity of the work and containing details about the work for the collector’s reference; all artwork purchased through Odyssey Artisans will have one.
Q: How can I best care for my artwork?
Canvas Wall Art
1. Keep your artworks out of direct sunlight. Your artwork might have a protective layer of varnish, but it is still possible for it to crack or fade if subjected to bright sunlight for long periods of time.
2. Do not lean anything against the surface of a canvas. Objects near a painting may not seem sharp enough to pierce the canvas, but it is always surprising what will cause a scratch or a rip. Prevent accidents and store your artworks away from anything that might press against the surface. Try not to lean artworks on one another when storing them. Separate them with pieces of cardboard to avoid damage.
3. Dust your artworks with a clean, soft rag occasionally to prevent dust buildup. Don't use cleaning products or water!
4. Hang your artworks away from very busy and possibly messy areas. Over time, artworks can accumulate a thin layer of dust and pollutants, airborne grime from cooking oils, particles from smoking and insect specks. If there is a place to display your piece away from these things, or where it will be somewhat less exposed, try to position it there.
5. Wrap your artwork well if you plan to transport it. Be sure to put a heavy piece of cardboard over the front and back to protect it. Then bubble wrap and place in a suitable heavy cardboard box. Rough handling can damage both the painting and the frame so pack it securely.
6. Try to avoid subjecting your artworks to extreme changes in atmosphere. Avoid excessive dryness, humidity, heat or cold. All of these conditions can affect the state of your artwork in a negative way (canvas puckering, paint cracking, etc.).
7. If your artwork does get damaged, don't fix it yourself. Take it to the place of purchase for a referral or look up a qualified conservator on your own. Amateur repairs can reduce the value of your artwork drastically.
8. Do not frame artworks on canvas under glass, because canvas needs to breathe, if it is framed under glass you may trap moisture inside the frame. Canvases experience small, subtle shifts over time due to mild atmospheric changes, so it is best to leave them without glass to allow them to flow with these slight changes.
9. Do not cover artworks with plastic for long periods of time. If there is humidity in the air, they may start to grow mold. Cotton sheets are best for keeping dust away.
10. Check the condition of your artworks periodically. Many people put up an artwork and forget about it, until they notice that it has been damaged. If an artwork is fading or cracking, a brief peek at it can prompt you to move it to a better place and avoid damaging it further.
Paper Wall Art
When taking care of art created on paper there are a few points specifically for preserving your artwork on paper.
1. Again, keep your artwork out of direct sunlight. If exposed to extreme heat or sunlight over long periods of time, paper can become brittle and reach a point where it simply crumbles to the touch.
2. Frame under non-glare glass, treated with a coating to protect the work from UV sunlight if possible. This not only protects your artwork from sunlight, the non-glare glass makes it easier to see the artwork surface when it is displayed.
3. The mat and backing of your frame should be made of acid free paper and finished with acid free tape. This is to avoid any moisture reaching your painting and damaging it.
Ceramics & Glass
For Glass
1. Try to avoid putting liquid in your glass pieces. Though people usually don't use art glass for this purpose, it can happen. If you do choose to put a liquid into your glass piece, do not leave it in for a long period of time. It may leave a stain or "etch" the surface of the glass. Be warned that putting an extremely hot or cold liquid into your glass may cause it to crack.
2. Wash your glass carefully. Strong items can be washed gently (if absolutely necessary) in lukewarm water with a bit of gentle dish soap and a soft rag. Air dry. If you have any doubt about the structure of your glass object, do not immerse it in water. Just wipe gently with a damp cloth. Never put art glass in a dishwasher!
For Ceramics
1. Do not display ceramic plates on metal prongs. Many people make this mistake when displaying ceramics. Over time, this can damage the surface of your ceramic piece, even chipping or cracking it.
2. Do not immerse porous ceramics (like earthenware) for long periods of time. They can be washed gently (see the glass washing method above), but not left to soak. They absorb water like sponges, and this can cause many different problems (cracking, water stains deep in the piece, etc.).
For Ceramics and Glass
1. Store and display your ceramics and glass in a secure place. This may sound like common sense, but some people insist on displaying their best glass on the shelf under the stairs (or some other shaky place). Keep your pieces safe and secure from rattling and bumping.
2. Keep out of sunlight. Most glass and ceramics will not fade without prolonged exposure, but don't take chances by leaving it in bright light for long periods of time.
3. Try to grasp ceramics by the base. If you grab a small protruding detail on your vase, plate, or other ceramic or glass piece, it may break off. Grasp the whole piece firmly and carefully.
4. If your glass or ceramic piece chips or breaks, take it to a professional for repair. Fixing a glass or ceramic piece on your own is not advisable if you wish to retain its value. Try to get all of the pieces together and avoid them scraping together if at all possible. A conservator will be able to tell you if your piece is salvageable, and will let you know what kind of repair costs and results you can expect.
Bronze
1. Keep bronze away from extreme heat, cold or humidity. A sudden change in atmosphere might change the color of the surface of the bronze (called the patina) and it is in your best interest to try and preserve the patina if possible. With extreme heat or cold, cracks in the bronze might even appear as the metal expands and contracts.
2. Clean carefully. Bronzes do not usually need cleaning, apart from dusting with a soft cloth. You may vacuum your bronze, and if it is absolutely necessary, you can spot wash a dirty section with mild soap and distilled water.
3. Avoid abrading the surface. Bronzes are strong enough to last through the centuries if you keep them out of harm's way, and the surface patina will age nicely if left alone, adding to the piece's value. Do not alter this surface by using any cleaners that remove the color or scrape into the patina.
4. For any repairs, call a professional. Do not attempt to glue or solder a piece yourself, because a shoddy repair can decrease the value of your piece. Also, if you observe any serious changes in the patina, contact a professional for advice.
