Art Collecting 101

So many people tell me "I don't know anything about art. I don't know what's good and what isn't." As a result, they don't go to galleries, they don't buy art and they don't go to museums.

Okay, we need to fix that mentality. You don't know what you're missing!

First rule: there are no rules. Art is no longer about stuffy gallery openings and pretentious art dealers. Art evolves with pop culture and, even though there are still some galleries perpetuating the elitist attitudes that people do in fact find exclusive and intimidating, they are a dying breed. There are so many other great ways to view, collect and experience art now.

Here are my suggestions: with summer approaching, go to some of the many arts festivals and browse. Meet the artists, talk with them about their work. Go to a gallery crawl, often times held one night per month and there are some great little galleries that are dedicated to their artists. Stop in each gallery, sip some wine, have some cheese and crackers and look at the art. Buy something if you like, if it appeals to you, but don't feel pressured.

When you do find something you like, it may become a replacement for a mass produced item in your house. The difference is that this new item you are acquiring is an original, one of a kind work of art. Start small and find pieces one at a time, before you know it, you'll be an art collector!

The second rule: it's good art if you like it! When you are out clothes shopping, you wouldn't buy something you didn't like- art is the same way.

Third rule: Art is everywhere! You can find great art on the internet, in coffee houses, at festivals, on the street and in the galleries and museums and it doesn't have to cost a fortune to be valuable. If you love it and it looks great in your home, then it has value to you.

That's it, now get out there and begin your art collection. Seminar over.