Local galleries are a good idea, especially if his work has a market there. Fred Tullis, aka Lars Carson, who is the painter turned Chef, does have a following in the southwest.
You might want to consider using Sotheby's Auctioneers. www.sothebys.com. They are very helpful in assisting you find a true value of your artwork. They do take a good percentage of what they sell, but they bring a huge customer base to bid.
