by Alidia Bridge

Created on: May 11, 2009   Last Updated: June 20, 2011

Is art a good investment? Well that depends on how you answer one question.

What is art? You can look up the definition in the dictionary if you'd like but I'm asking what is art to you? That is the first question you should ask yourself when investing in pieces of art. For most people money and the artist are the first things that come to mind when considering buying a piece of art. But I want you to think about what you consider art. While you are thinking about that let me give you a few suggestions on where to find great art.

Investing can be over thought. Buy what you like. That is the only way to go. You are going to be looking at the pieces in your home or your office. So liking the pieces is crucial. Sometimes finding art from rising artists is an important factor when we think about investing. Personally, that is my favorite way to buy art. Local art festivals are usually the best way to accomplish this. If you have never been to an art festival you are missing out. My husband and I have a list of art festivals near our town that we got on-line. Simply use your favorite search engine. All I searched for was art festival and the city closest to me and boom bang bamm, a list of seemingly limitless entries were before me. After narrowing the festivals down by proximity and available dates we had our list. A few advantages to the art festival are price, building relationships, and having a great day out.

If you don't have a specific piece in mind, go on the last day. Chances are the artists that are usually too pricey for your budget will have almost sold all the pieces they have with them and you can find a great piece of art for a great price. Example, at our very first art festival we found an artist who worked with metals, his work is very pricey in the gallery format but because we were there on Sunday and he had less than 10 pieces left to sell, he had already met his expectations, we got a $1500 piece for less than $250. Hunting is the best way to get a great deal, right? Well prowling wasn't too bad either this time. I'd say that was a great investment.

Building relationships with local or rising artists is also a benefit to attending these festivals. Usually the festival itself is free to attend and meeting artists is a great bonus for getting in the car and going. By building relationships you can often get autographed pieces of art, adding to the value of your investment. What a great way to spend an afternoon. Which brings me to my third advantage to art fairs.

Have fun! Who said looking for art had to be draining? Getting out and meeting people, artists or fellow attendees, is a great way to spend the afternoon, morning, or heck whole day in some cases. In my case I can't forget the sunscreen, but most festivals have food from local venues set up along the way and you can make a much needed date with your significant other, an outing with a group or friends, or you can have a killer time by yourself. It's the whole atmosphere of an art walk that puts a smile on my face. Investing doesn't have to include going from gallery to gallery wondering when you're going to find the piece you can't live without.

These are just a few simple tips from one art lover to another. You know the saying, "You'll know it when you see it." That is my motto when attending an art fair, festival, or walk. If I don't see it, I know I will next time. Enjoy yourself and meet someone new.

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