6 ways to start collecting Art without breaking the bank...

Don't be afraid...moving on from the Matisse poster you had in your University days is a good thing! How do you begin or add to it in Vancouver?
1. Start Small: It won't fill your walls, but it will get you started at reduced prices.
2. Buy Prints: Prints are a great way to get your foot in the door of an artist you admire. They are significantly reduced from the originals and look amazing.
3. Negotiate with the Gallery: Galleries often work with buyers on the price of art, especially if you have purchased there before. It may be a very small reduction, but it is always worth asking.
4. Trade with other Buyers: There are buyers out there that will do trades. There are websites devoted to art trades. If you are tired of something you own, you may be able to trade for something you like better.
5. Befriend the artist: It never hurts, see below how the Cone sisters did it.
6. Check out local auctions and sales...see below.

A. Emily Carr University: Yellow Crane Festival of Art & Design (ends Aug 19 - act soon!). Go behind the scenes and see how Emily Carr students work. Artists' pieces are available for purchase including paintings, ceramics, jewelry and more.

B. Arts Umbrella - The Art of 2012 Splash: We started buying from the silent auction at Splash and now we have some great pieces that have definitely increased in value. It is a touch pricey to get in, but its a fun night with cocktails, bites to eat and dancing! Or check it out on line or at the preview and make absentee bids on your favourites. It is a great night!

C. Learn how the Cone Sisters of Baltimore started collecting at the Vancouver Art Gallery's latest exhibit COLLECTING MATISSE AND MODERN MASTERS. The VAG has 50 exceptional works from the Cone sisters 3,000 pieces. Etta and Claribel Cone developed a close relationship with Matisse and knew Picasso and other artists from trips to Paris. Matisse, in particular, was very close with the Cone sisters and often discussed composition of his works with Etta Cone as he painted. It is an amazing collection and the exhibit highlights the relationships and artists they supported. I won't argue it helps when there is family money (Cones were from a wealthy textile family) to begin an art collection, but we can all start small! The Vancouver Art Gallery also offers Rentals if you can't commit.