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the more you will understand the dynamics of your own personal taste and style.
Bringing it home
Now that you've purchased some art that you love. The next step is how to care for it. Not surprisingly, different mediums require different care.
Photographer Mark Hammon, says buyers should consider whether to buy photos framed or unframed. An unframed photo might be better because the purchaser can frame it to match his personal dcor. He says however, buyers should be sure to archival or acid free mat board and mounting and ultra violet glass. Many of the larger photographs are framed with plexi glass because of the weight of the piece. But warns Hammon, when cleaning plexi glass don't use glass cleaner. Plexi glass requires a special plexi glass cleaner which can be purchased at most hardware and frame shops. Photos should be kept out of direct sunlight and fluorescent light can be just as damaging. In the dry desert climate, where swamp coolers and air conditioners are often used in the summer, it is important to keep photographs away from moisture. Don't hang your art near an air vent or too close to a cooling unit.

As for the care and treatment of glass in the Nevada desert, artist Jacob Carlson says glass is one of the more fragile things we own and should be kept in a safe place. As for cleaning, Carlson says no dishwasher and no extreme heat. Your best bet is glass cleaner or non-sudsing household grade ammonia in a sink full of room temperature water. Glass items can be dusted with a soft, clean paint brush or a soft clean cloth such as an old diaper. Because glass is pretty much sealed on the surface it doesn't seem to be affected by desert climate. It is resistant to moisture and/or dryness.
Painter Scott Harvey admonishes not to allow your framer to put nails in the sides of a canvas. The painting should be clipped. Nails in the side of the canvas cause slack lines over the years. When cleaning a painting, never use a feather duster or wipe cloth on the front of the painting or frame because the duster or cloth often has debris from cleaning supplies or other items that have been dusted. Regular dusting tools would disburse dust in the grooves of the paint. Instead, clean the painting or dust it with a blower brush like those used to clean a camera lens. Don't use a hair dryer or your own breath because this may cause water droplets and moisture that can destroy pigment over time. Harvey says the desert climate isn't so bad on paintings as long as the artwork isn't exposed to bright light. Just remember to avoid temperature swings by keeping room temperatures even.
While wood may seem the sturdiest of art pieces, in reality they may be very fragile. Wood carver, Bill Carson says wood pieces are subject to many risks such as high or low humidity, excessive light, dust and insect pests. Wooden pieces do best in surroundings you would be comfortable in. Do not display them next to a cold exterior wall or near a heating vent. In the desert, wooden pieces require a low relative humidity. If the atmosphere is too moist, the wood will warp and sometimes mildew. If too dry, the wood may crack. It is best to keep the temperature as even as possible throughout the year. Wooden objects can be dusted with a soft brush or a clean lint free rag. If the object needs to be cleaned, use a mild solution of Murphy's oil soap in distilled water and a damp soft cloth.

Learn more about this author, Judith Campanaro.
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