ART ADVISORY

A home tells the story of how you choose to live. The books you return to, the meals you share, the objects you've kept over the years. Art belongs in that same story.

I'm Patricia Cariño Valdez, founder of Cariño Art Advisory. I help individuals, families, and organizations build meaningful relationships with contemporary art. My work is rooted in the belief that art teaches us to notice more deeply and, in doing so, enriches the way we live.

Every collection begins with a different intention because every collector defines success differently. For some, it's living with art every day. For others, it's supporting artists they believe in or building a legacy for future generations. More often than not, it's all of these things at once.

My role is to listen first.

Collecting should feel personal. Whether we're visiting an artist's studio, walking through a gallery, or talking around your dining table, together we build a collection that reflects your values and grows with your life.

For more than fifteen years, I've worked across museums, galleries, artist studios, and private collections. Today, I continue that work through the Olivia Collection and Foundation while growing my independent advisory practice. Over time, a collection becomes more than a group of artworks. It reflects what someone chooses to notice, nurture, and champion.

Whether you're standing in front of a blank wall, beginning your first collection, or continuing one that's been growing for years, I'd love to help you discover what comes next.

Start the conversation

Expertise & Services

Comprehensive curatorial guidance for homes, estates, and collections that are still taking shape

Services

  • A 90-minute walkthrough of your home, followed by a shortlist of artists whose work belongs in your space.

  • Curation for the rooms where you actually live, host, and gather. Includes event invites and full delivery logistics, start to finish.

  • Full-property curation, working alongside your architect or designer from the earliest planning stages through final installation.

  • Ongoing cataloging, conservation oversight, and acquisition support for collections that keep growing.

  • Working with organizations, developers, and institutions to build and rotate art programs for shared and public-facing spaces, campuses, offices, and residential developments.

  • “My wife and I didn’t realize 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.” - Law Professor, Chicago

  • “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!” - Family of Four, Oakland Hills

  • “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.” - Communications Director, Los Angeles

  • “Working with Patricia has been such an eye-opening and inspiring experience. She has a remarkable ability to not only introduce me to emerging local artists but also weave their work into a broader story of art history, community, and social impact. Through her thoughtful guidance, I’ve come to see collecting art as more than just acquiring pieces—it’s about engaging with intentional, meaningful work that reflects culture and creates lasting value.

    She has welcomed me into events and spaces I never would have thought to explore on my own, and each one has expanded my perspective on the art world. Her passion, knowledge, and generosity in sharing her expertise have transformed the way I look at art, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to learn from her. What she offers is more than curation—it’s a journey into understanding art as both a personal and community investment.” - Manager, Enterprise Strategy at Global Consulting Company, Long Beach