101st Thumb Box Exhibition and Winter & the Holidays Theme Show
Salmagundi Club

December 7, 2009 through January 1, 2010
47 Fifth Avenue @ 12th St

New York, NY

web: www.salmagundi.org
Tel: 212.255.7740
Gallery open to public daily, 1-6 PM

These two exhibits are perennially popular. Be delighted by the diverse, intimate artworks created by Salmagundi Club artist members for the Thumb Box, and be surprised at how affordable original artwork can be for the holiday gift season. This exhibition presents small-scale works in oils, watercolors, photography, mixed media and sculpture. 

For the Winter & the Holidays show, there is a wide variety of mediums and sizes. 

My paintings, Autumn Walk, Country Lane, Mountain Lake, and Sledding Home are available there.

Panel Discussion: Become a Savvier Art Collector
October 26, Monday, evening (6-8 pm)
English Speaking Union
15 East  65th St, NYC

In case you missed this panel discussion, here are some points that were covered. The mix of panelists offered different perspectives and helpful insights from each of their many years of experience: collectors Norman Dubrow, Tim Newton, Richard Porter, (also a former gallery director); Gallerist Mikaela Sardo Lamarche (ACA Galleries, Chelsea); me; and moderator Peter Trippi, Editor of Fine Art Connoisseur magazine. 

• Do as much research as possible to be aware of what's going on in the art world.

• Look at as much art as possible: galleries, museums, magazines, websites, art fairs, etc.

• The Internet is a great resource for information: to find artists and galleries, to find out what things sold for at auctions. However, information is not necessarily education. 

• So much about being a collector depends on developing good relationships: with artists, gallery owners and staff, dealers, art consultants (an option), other collectors.

• Don't be afraid to ask questions. Ignore the intimidation factor found in so many NYC galleries!

• Think about why you want to buy art. There are different possible goals: buy what you love and want to live with, buy to create a legacy to leave to others, buy for investment (least recommended by all panelists!). If you're just starting out, also think about setting an annual budget.

• Look for quality, not just media hype about what's "hot" today.

• When you run out of walls to hang artwork, you are a true "collector!"

This obviously doesn't cover everything discussed. Be sure to come to the next one!