Finding Art

"Behind Bars"

Oil on 24x24in panel by Joanne Shellan

This painting will be featured in a solo show at Fountainhead Gallery, Seattle WA

Show dates Aug.8 - Sept. 1, 2013

Finding Art

Where do you go to look at art? I know where to go to get good literature- a library or bookstore. For an art film or play, I go to the theatre. And there are piles of reviews by professionals to help me make good choices. For all these arty things that I consume, I know where to go. But where do I go to look at or buy art?

Museums are the place to go for art that has made it to the top. That’s where the top of the heap art lives. Art Fairs are fun places to buy less expensive and decorative pieces of art. Art Galleries used to be THE place in town to go buy art with the help of a professional who has read the reviews and knows how to build an art collection This past recession has been especially hard on art galleries. People often buy new art when they change houses. No buying and selling of houses means less art purchased. Another hit the galleries are taking is that art is sold on-line now in great quantities.

 

But the brick and mortar galleries that are still left standing are the ones you need to visit. They're the ones with owners who care deeply about art, who have done the work to know who’s a flash-in-the pan what’s here to stay. They enjoy the new ideas that their bevy of artists bring to them. These stanchions of the art world are still the novice and expert’s art guide; they can lead buyers to the right artist at the right price range and find a piece of art that will be loved for a lifetime. They help people start and grow art collections. Make friends with a gallery owner.

It’s fun to buy art on-line or at an art fair but if you want guidance from a professional, go visit your nearest reputable art gallery.