The dealers came together, I'd say 15 is a low number.

But more often now his dealer came down to see him and took canvases north with him.

In 1994, dealers came to Congress to ask for a law that would supersede the regulation.

For months, he said, dealers had been coming to him, wanting to cherry pick.

"And all the artists and antique dealers come from down there."

But because local overtime budgets are stretched so thin, he said, the programs stop, and the dealers come back.

The second day, a different dealer came by.

"Collectors and dealers - including Japanese buyers - come in great numbers."

Michaelis said, The dealers are coming in, but they won't stand a chance.

"If not, blood sellers and dealers may come back."