Settlement reached with PA business that sold art exhibit space
Thursday, November 24, 2011
HARRISBURG -The Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection has reached an agreement with a Delaware County man who allegedly promoted art exhibit space for numerous art shows throughout the United States and Canada and later failed to provide the exhibit space originally promised to customers.
Attorney General Linda Kelly said an Assurance of Voluntary Compliance (AVC) was reached with Christopher Gervasi, who operated businesses under several different names, including; "Wildlife Art Shows," "Gervais Fine Arts & Craft Frestivals," "Gervais Arts and Crafts Festival," and "Gervais Arts".
According to the settlement, Gervasi promoted art shows/exhibits and sold booth space to consumers in specific locations on specific dates, and induced artists/consumers to purchase exhibition booth space based on the details he provided. After consumers entered into contracts with Gervasi and agreed to purchase exhibit space he allegedly changed the venue of the shows or cancelled the shows altogether.
Kelly said that Gervasi failed to issue refunds to consumers, and cut off communication with them. In some circumstances, consumers withdrew from the shows within the timeframe and manner dictated by Gervasi's contracts, but Gervasi still failed to issue refunds to consumers.
Gervasi has agreed to pay restitution to consumers who filed complaints with the Attorney General's Bureau of Consumer Protection, pay civil penalties and fines. Gervasi also agrees to fully comply with Pennsylvania's Consumer Protection Law.