by Trudy Tuttle

Created on: September 09, 2009

Collectors are the keepers of history. Anyone with a stable income can build an enjoyable art collection. From postcards to Rembrandt, the evolution of society is stored for the world to see, learn from and remember. No collection is too small or unimportant. So let's pick your focus.

An art collection can be paintings, wood furniture, stained glass, literature, or maps. You can mix mediums and collect objects such as African animals, birds, astrology, or astronomy. Your choices are limitless. What artworks have you enjoyed each time you looked at it? Did you receive a gift that you would like to expand upon? Once you pick your area, start looking for opportunities to know it better. From Contemporary to antique, there are venues to keep you current and knowledgeable.

Spend some time with your phone books. Find any local associations, colleges or guilds relating to your wants and gather information on shows, lectures etc. Mark your calendar for their annual events. You will start to know the names of the artists and find others of like interests to increase the enjoyment of your growing collection.

Learn to trust your own judgment when purchasing. If you like the piece, then it has value. As the prices increase, so should your knowledge and understanding. It will not be the end of the world if you buy a less-than-fitting piece for your collection in the beginning (or even later for that matter). Trust that you will still have a piece that you personally enjoy. You can always replace it later if you wish.

There are a lot of good artists out there. Enjoy browsing the gallery sections of your city. In between all the high-end exhibits you will find many specialty shops of very affordable artworks in a large variety of mediums. Keep an eye on the entertainment 'around town' section of your newspaper for shows by quilt guilds for wonderful examples of modern American patchwork, quilts and fiber arts. The local art schools usually have sales around Christmas time of students' work. You may find ceramic sculptures, blown glass works and more. State Universities usually have great art departments (with sales).

Set perimeters. Hobbies are a catchall. Collections are an investment. Do you want to collect everything relating to, for instance, African animals? Do you want it limited to a certain period of time, geographic area, animal type or only non-biodegradable mediums. When you know your perimeters, this will give your collection a better focus and continuity.

Just

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>