Are you considering collecting art? Being a part of the art world can be one of the greatest joys of your life. Art, like good music, can be nourishing for your soul. The art world reflects a hotbed of intellectual issues. It involves personal poetry, politics, philosophy, economics and sociology.

The people you will meet: artists, dealers, curators, collectors are fascinating, passionate, interesting people. They are often generous with their time and happy to help you learn. There is a substantial learning curve involved, yet the rewards are immeasurable.

There’s only one step – LOOK, LOOK, and LOOK some more.

Learn About Art, Learn About What You Like, Learn About Yourself.

“The more art you see, the more you know what you like.”

Look at all different styles of art with an open mind. As you do, write down the names of the artists you like the best.

There are excellent online resources to research further: artnet.com, artinfo.com, artforum.com.

VISIT FINE ART MUSEUMS and libraries. Every town has a local museum associated with the city or a local university. Local libraries have art books and magazines to browse.

TAKE COURSES at local universities, attend lectures sponsored by local art organizations and museums.

VISIT THE LOCAL GALLERIES- Find galleries through listings in the local papers, Gallery Guide or online.

ASK QUESTIONS when visiting galleries – questions such as “Can you tell me about the artist? Do you have other things by her that I may look at”? Ask whatever questions you can think of, and don’t feel intimidated.

SIGN GALLERY GUESTBOOKS – You’ll receive notices of art openings. Most art openings are casual affairs and it’s easy to meet collectors, the artist, and find out more about the local art world. Openings are a great opportunity to ask more questions.

SUBSCRIBE TO MAJOR ART MAGAZINES.
ArtForum, Art in America, ArtNews, Art+Auction.

Armory Arts Week in NYC is March 3-7th. There are ten art fairs and dozens of exciting art events happening concurrently that week. [armoryartsweek.com]. This is a great opportunity to see the best of the contemporary art market in 2010 centralized in a few places. Clear your calendar, bring a friend and go. I suggest you begin at the Armory Show on Piers 92 & 94. I will be leading a private 85 Broads walkthrough of the show that week so check the online calendar. I have arranged a surprise treat for the first 20 rsvps.

I look forward to your feedback!