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TIPS ON BUYING AT ART FAIRS

I’ve attended my fair share of art fairs and most time the whole experience can be a bit overwhelming. I’m prepping to attend the Affordable Art Fair (May 7th-10th) in NYC. AAF seems like it will be a good fair because in addition to selling you great art, they are seeking to educate people new to the art collecting experience.

While surfing the AAF website, I came across this helpful list for folks trying to get a grasp on how to collect art that suits their taste.Â More Info-!YG

1. Do your research: Check out the fair’s website and find some galleries that you definitely want to see. Having an idea of specific artists’ work you want to view can help streamline the process. However, don’t let wanting to visit certain galleries take away from stumbling upon other booths as there is so much to see.

[YG Note: If it is your first fair feel free to just browse around to see what work strikes you. Research is key, but sometimes just looking around is helpful. You are more likely to stumble upon a piece you love.]

2. Bring a Pen: Don’t be afraid to ask questions and take notes. Upon arriving at the fair, be sure to pick up a map as this is imperative to navigating and reminding yourself of what you want to and have seen. Exhibitors are a wealth of information and are happy to discuss the art work with you. This is a great way to get firsthand knowledge about the work and/or artist, which can help add meaning to the piece and often aid your decision to buy!

[YG Note: Make sure that you note any piece or artist that is striking to you as you go around. It will be easier for you to reference once you decide what on your purchase. Also ask tons of questions. You want to be comfortable with the fact that you will be spending some pocket change on a piece of art. Make sure you can “live with the piece”.]

3. Events: Attending events at the Fair, such as panel discussions and lectures, can help inform visitors about art work at the Fair and beyond. Visitors have found the AAF NYC lecture series very helpful as it has featured an array of art professionals speaking on various topics including how to start an art collection.

[YG Note: Fairs are the best places to meet fellow collectors and compare notes on what you have seen. Moreover, @ these events you have an opportunity to connect with the artist 1-1. Sometimes that experience can help you understand the context that influences their art.]

4. Up and coming artists: It can be incredibly rewarding not only to purchase art you love but also to support emerging artists who are at the beginning of their careers! AAF NYC believes in supporting students by showcasing the Recent Graduates section where art students from across New York have been hand-picked by a curator to display their work at the fair to thousands of visitors.

5. Be open minded: Since art fairs have so much to offer, it’s important to keep your eyes open. Don’t set out looking for only one specific thing, embrace all possibilities and you may be pleasantly surprised. That said…

6. Know your style: Remember, art is a lifetime investment so select pieces carefully. Although impulse purchases can be fun, take the time to walk away for a little while. If you can’t stop thinking about the piece and can see it in your home….you will make the right decision. But remember, it’s much harder to conceal a piece art in the closet than a pair of shoes!

7. Forge relationships with galleries: If you are an avid art fair attendee, you may have made relationships with gallery owners, who are a great resource on artists and up and coming trends. If you have connected with a gallery before, they should know your taste and can help direct you to your next great acquisition!

[YG Note: Going back to tip 3… Events are a great way to meet gallerist. As a potential collector, it is imperative that you cultivate relationships with different galleries and artist. What I’ve found is that the art world (like other sectors) is really dependent on who you know in order to get access to the great artist/art work.]

8. Set a budget and stick to it: Know what you are willing to (and what you can) spend on art and stick to your budget. If a piece of work is way over your budget, perhaps check out a smaller, similar piece by the same artist or from the same gallery. Being budget conscious can be tough, but remember, art fairs bring galleries and artists from all over the world, representing different types of art and price points so there will always be something in your price range! However, if you are truly set on owning this one piece beyond your budget, you can always approach the gallery about setting up a payment plan. Various galleries offer a variety of payment plans, so you should find something which suits both gallery and yourself!

9. Make a day of it: Art fairs should be a warm and welcoming environment so make a day of experiencing new artwork! There are no rules about where to go first and what to see, so enjoy meandering through booths and talking with gallerists and artists. Many fairs (including AAF NYC) offer children’s programming making the day much more child (and in turn, adult) friendly.

10. Have fun! Art is created to be fun and exciting so have a good time while searching for your next, or first, great piece. Art fairs are here to encourage creativity and being around such enthusiasm for art can be incredibly inspiring and infectious.