This weekend (April 9th) is the Second Saturday Artwalk in downtown Lafayette, Louisiana. Galleries and business will be open after hours for this free event, officially starting at 6pm and ending at 8pm-ish. BTW, I will have work at Gallery 549 for the annual Spring Group Exhibition, so if you are in the area, be sure to check it out.
Acadiana Center for the Arts– 101 W. Vermilion St. / 337-233-7060
Main Gallery: Francis X. Pavy: Currents and Flows – now through May 7
Side Gallery: Brett Chigoy: When the Preditor has Defined our Dreams as Prey– now through May 7
Cajun Spice– 535 Jefferson St / 337-232-3061 – Cliff Broussard
Galerie Eclaireuse– 535 ½ Jefferson St. / 337-234-5492 – Melissa Bonin
Gallery 549– 549 Jefferson St. / 337-593-0796 – Spring Group Exhibition
Galerie Lafayette at The Lafayette Public Library- 538 Jefferson St. / 337-261-5775 – William H. Parr
Gallery R (at The Russo Group)- 116 E. Congress St. / 337-769-1530 – Katherine LeMoine
Sans Souci Gallery– 219 E. Vermilion St. / 337-266-7999 – Louisiana Crafts Guild- Fait a la Main
"Cuzco" by Frededric O. Daspit; wood with acrylic and iron oxide
I recently purchased a wall sculpture by Fred Daspit and thought it would be nice to share some photos of a few pieces from my art collection. I spend a lot of time showing my work, meeting other artists, and obviously hanging out in galleries, so it’s no surprise that I’d get the collecting bug. It’s one thing to hang your own art in your home, but to have work from other artists in different styles and media is entirely another.
As I was taking photos, I started to consider why I purchased these particular works of art. Given the fact that I am an artist, I thought it might be interesting to consider collecting art from the buyer’s perspective. Obviously I enjoy the art in my collection and find it aesthetically pleasing, but clearly there’s more to it than that. So what drives one to buy art? I think this is something all artists, myself included, have asked ourselves at some point in time. I don’t know that there is any one answer, given there are different buying
Untitled by Tom Ladousa; ceramic
“styles” out there. However, I do think there are a few common traits amongst buyers. As I said, I buy art because I like it and most people like the art they purchase (those that purchase art solely as an investment may not necessarily like the work).
"Ship" by Troy Dugas; vintage prints on wood panel
As an artist, I also understand the value of art. I’m well-aware that it took a hell of a lot of time to create that masterpiece I’m about to buy, and it’s only fair that the artist is paid for their time and skill. I don’t give away my work, so I certainly don’t expect anyone else to.
Another factor is liking the artist. It’s not just about liking the work, but also liking the person behind the work. I have purchased from artists I never met, or met after the fact, but most works are by people I know and like. Those I don’t know personally have a good reputation amongst the art community, though.
Lastly, the fact that these artists are in the public eye on a regular basis serves as a great reminder that I should buy their work. And when I say public eye, I don’t necessarily mean they are featured in the news or received some big accolade. It could be their personal emails to me or a postcard invitation to a show. Anytime I see their name, it just reminds me of their work and the fact that I would like to own a piece.
Some people buy on impulse, some buy because it’s just a great deal, but I think it’s safe to say that all of us should get out there and meet and greet if we want to sell art. With that said, if you would like to see and learn more about my work, be sure to check out my website at www.AmyGuidry.com.
