09/03/09

Buying on a Budget

If you are an art collector, today is your lucky day. The economic downturn of the last year has obliterated the "rules" that had come dominate art buying. Gone are the days when you needed to worry which artists were going to appreciate and how you had to buy such and such artist because he was sure to be the next great thing, guaranteed to make zillions in only a few short years. Gone, too, is your obligation to consider the vastly overpriced swastika made from M&M’s, the one you couldn't stand the thought of living with but that your “consultant” was pushing because of the stated importance of the artist and the conceptual meaning and symbolism of the work.

Good riddance to all that. Now your only guiding principle should be this: buy what you...

Posted at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments: 4

07/14/09

Collecting 101

Over the years I’ve traveled to incredibly beautiful places and been in some of the most gorgeous homes. It’s all in a day’s work!

This spring brought an invitation to one of my favorite client’s home outside of Washington, D.C., an invite I would be crazy to pass up. Anytime I get the opportunity to see the collection of a good client I try to go, it’s always worth it and this time was no exception. The inspiration for the trip came about because of our shared love of art and horse racing. It was the perfect combination for a weekend getaway--a pastoral steeplechase race on Saturday and exploring the best of Washington’s museums on Sunday. What could be better?

Walking into their home for the first time, they were so proud and I...

Posted at 05:14 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

06/30/09

Ann Korologos Gallery Opening

When I initially heard that an art gallery was moving into the newly vacated Basalt Town Center Booksellers (may the business rest in peace), the first words out of my mouth were dubious: “Great. That’s just what Basalt needs—another art gallery.” Then I heard that the Basalt Gallery was just relocating, under new ownership and a new name: Ann Korologos Gallery. I understood, but still wasn’t smitten with the idea of the book store’s replacement.

Curious, my stepsister and I went to the opening to visit our older sister, who was serving for the caterer that night. I might have also gone for a glass of complimentary wine, but as it turned out, I was pleasantly surprised by Ann...

Posted at 06:19 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0

04/24/09

A Big Decision

The art in my home is comprised of castoffs from my parents collection, things I’ve picked up at flea markets, a few photographs taken by friends hoping to make it big and a couple of works my husband and I bought for each other as anniversary gifts (the most we ever spent was on a large folk-art fish by Ed Larson hanging in our living room—about $700).

I have been working in a gallery that deals in 19th, 20th century and contemporary art for the last seven years. My five-year anniversary was marked by the owner of the gallery’s offering me a piece of art as a “service award.” His only requirement was the value of the piece. My budget was limited to $4,500. I’ve...

Posted at 02:55 PM | Permalink | Comments: 0