"Anyone who prints up a business card can call themselves an art adviser."

Many aboriginal communities have employed "art advisers," whose job it is to supply painting materials and make sales.

That is where art advisers come in, to help clients learn about, choose and buy artwork.

A license is not needed, so anyone can present himself or herself as an art adviser.

"As an art adviser," she said, "those are the calls you love to get."

From 1988 to 1996, Jeffrey Deitch had been a private dealer and art adviser to a number of collectors.

He was art adviser to the Nigerian government from 1948.

Most of them have seasoned art advisers guiding them through the complex auction process.

"When it comes to picking an art adviser, it's buyer beware," he added.

Collectors often meet art advisers through friends.