Art Collectors’ Conversation

This is a paraphrased summary of an event hosted by the Fort Collins Lincoln Center in conjunction with the Artist Studio Tour and Sale, held June 25-28, 2015

The conversation was moderated by Jeanne Shoaff, Lincoln Center Gallery Coordinator at the City of Fort Collins

The art collectors included:

York – a Biotechnology Software Engineer

Michelle Venus – from KRFC, organizer of the “Support Local Culture” radio program

Tom Campbell and Dawn Putney – married owners of Toolbox Creative

J: Can you explain why you began collecting art? Is there a rhyme or reason to it for you? Do you have a desire to create a lasting legacy? or do you have a specific vision for your collection?

Y: I collect sculpture. It really is just about finding things that I find interesting and keeping them.

DP: We visited the Dali museum in Florida, which was started by the donation of one couple’s collection.  I liked the idea of collecting together. We began buying art from local artists that we’ve met, and from our travels. Our first pieces purchased together were two small inexpensive works purchased directly from the artist, right off the street. I think we paid $12 each for them. We like to meet the artists, this creates a deeper connection with the artworks for us. They are reminders of good memories. We are emotionally attached to the pieces.

TC: We buy things because we want to spend time with it. The amount of money invested has not been that large, so I am a bit reluctant to be called an “art collector”. We buy things because we like them, the investment quality or potential increase in value is secondary.

MV: It is easy to buy art. I, too, collect local artists, and friends’ work. Often the decision is a spontaneous one, although I do consider the choice carefully as I will be living with the work for a long time. In fact, I recently sold an artwork at a garage sale that reminded me of an old boyfriend. I just didn’t want to have to look at it any longer.

J: Michelle, you bring up an interesting point. What do you do if your tastes change? or you run out of space?

Y: This “receipt value” versus the aesthetic value is an interesting issue. It doesn’t matter how much a piece costs, it’s whether I like it or not that matters. I consider three things when buying art; 1 – Do I want to see it everyday, 2 – Will it fit in my house, and 3 – Can I afford it? I began saving up and collecting larger pieces as I saw a better value in the “cost per ounce” in the larger pieces. I have worked with artists to set up payment plans, and have paid for things over time to be able to collect the sculptures I liked. I have started putting things outside, too.

TC: We move things around in our house. The most loved pieces are in our favorite rooms. We will hang other works at our office, so we still have space for more.

MV: Most of my early pieces I purchased were not very expensive so there is not an issue with removing it from the collection. I’ll put things in storage, some with great care, others less so.

J: What have you learned from artists? Do you have any advice for them?

Y: The value of a work of art is equal to what someone is willing to pay for it. The price point of our local market is much lower than other areas in the world. If things are not selling it may be worth re-evaluating how you price things.

MV: I respect whatever price an artist is asking for their work. I understand everything that goes into making art works, and how much time is invested to bring the artist to this point where they are now, what they are creating.

TC: I think it is good to offer works at a variety of price points. This allows folks with different financial situations to still begin collecting art. Artists need to have conversations with the collectors, find out what they like and why. Make a connection.

DP: I feel bad that we ask artists to donate works to auctions. I feel guilty when I buy a work of art at a charity auction. The artists deserve to be compensated for their work.

MV: We need to support our local galleries as well as our local artists. The Fort Collins community is very accessible to the arts, more so than Denver I think. The studio tour is the perfect opportunity to buy art, and connect with artists.

Y: Often people see art collections as this “big thing”. It is important to remember it all starts with just one purchase. While it is important to wait to find just the right piece, if you buy one or two pieces a year, over time, your collection will grow.