Having visited a perfectly upscale assisted-living facility in Scottsdale, evidence of art abuse was witnessed !!!
No one intended to damage the American Indian baskets, kachina dolls or pottery. Nevertheless, in some cases 90% of the value had been sacrificed due to mishandling on the part of well-intended cleaning crews.
Seriously valuable kachinas need to be homed in a glass or Plexiglas case to prevent broken elements or the accumulation of dust, which can degrade feathers to the degree, they may need to be replaced.
Pottery when turned against drywall when being dusted can scar the pot’s exterior walls to the degree they shift from valuable clay art to once-valuable clay art.
Baskets must be gripped with both hands to avoid rim damage or worse.
Perhaps it is best to gift non-contained or non-framed items to family and friends ahead of moving into communal living.
Besides isn’t it wonderful to learn someone you like appreciates your taste in art–enough to want to be its custodian for the next twenty plus years?
Corinne Cain, ASA www.SavvyCollector.com