Art Smart: Buying Local

TAMPA -- With spring cleaning out of the way, it's time to throw something up on your walls. Before you make a Target run, think about picking up a masterpiece instead.

Don't flip out - original art can be affordable, and local. First-time collectors and late bloomers with disposable income don't have to settle for walls covered in posters or stock art from Ikea.

"Everything is here in Tampa that makes for a strong art community [which] we have to support to keep the artists here," says Manuel Lopez, collector and director of the Tampa artists' collective Paula Ysom Group. "I started buying from artists I was meeting, and from there it's been a part of my life. This is my passion."

Original art, one-of-a-kind pieces and limited editions may appreciate over time, but they also have value of a different sort.

"I buy art because it's fun. Original art brings energy to a room," says Stanton Storer of Tampa, who started collecting art for his home 10 years ago. "I love the fact that when I walk through my house, every wall speaks to me."

Your walls can talk, too. Here are some tips for buying original art around the Tampa area, plus a heads-up on a few local artists to watch, along with upcoming shows and galleries worth checking out.

HOW TO BUY

Those in the know give pointers to buyers who are new to the art game.

Noah Rollins, Tampa Museum of Art Avant Garde steering committee member

Manuel Lopez, director, Paula Ysom Group artist collective

Stanton Storer, collector and member, Tampa Museum of Art

Marina Williams, owner, ARTpool Gallery

Look at a lot of art

"The arts community can only thrive through patronage and it's important for people to expose themselves to a range of exhibitions."

"I really like art fairs, especially where the work is curated, because the art and galleries have been carefully selected. The prices are more reasonable and you see a lot of art in a short time."

"The more you know about art the more appreciation you have for it, and you'll find yourself going to openings and exhibitions."

"It's just incredible how many people here locally are doing their thing and people aren't aware. There's a lot of good things going on."

Get to know artists

"When you buy a piece of art you are buying into an artists' career and there can be a lot of fun in tracking that career you bought into."

"You're really buying a piece of the artist. You have to put in the time if you really want to learn, and by doing that you'll get more interested. Don't be shy - talk to artists."

"I was asked why I collect art, and oftentimes it's the story that goes along with the piece. It's being able to meet the artist and having a connection."

"Art brings culture and color to a community. If you can't buy a piece of work, at least come out and meet the artist."

Understand pricing

"Price can be daunting, especially for younger collectors. Start to look at smaller pieces, or limited series, or buy directly from the artist."

"Talk about what kind of budget you have, and it doesn't matter what it is. The important thing is you're buying something that is unique and can afford."

"It depends on what you're looking for, [but] you don't have to spend a lot of money."

"It's the hours [artists] work on something, the materials and the presentation. [They] work so hard on something and it might come out to minimum wage."

Buy what you like

"Collecting doesn't have to have a set of sophisticated tips. It's about work you identify with, and it doesn't have to be more complicated than that."

"It should be engaging and something that continues to evolve. If you're going to put something on your wall and live with it, you have to like it."

"Find something that moves and inspires you, and in many cases challenges you. If you love it, you should buy it."

"Don't be captivated by what it's going to be worth in 20 years. Think about your lifestyle and how you want to enjoy it."

WHERE TO BUY

Take a peek at these upcoming art events and galleries. This is not a complete list, but it'll get you started.

Pass-A-Grille Beach Art Mart; artists and artisans display their work for show and sale; includes metal, fused glass objects, jewelry, photography, paintings and more; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; free; on Gulf Way between Ninth and 10th avenues, Pass-A-Grille; (727) 363-2144

ARTpool Film Fest; installations featuring short films, music videos, local and foreign flicks, plus gallery art; 8 p.m. to midnight June 28; $10; ARTpool Gallery, 919 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg; www.artpoolrules.com

"Energy Show '08: The Elements of Skill"; graffiti art exhibit features more than 30 local and international artists; opening reception 8 to 11 p.m. July 5 (exhibit runs through July 15 with viewing noon to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday); Pale Horse Gallery, 19 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. S.; St. Petersburg; (727) 823-6202; www.palehorsedesign.com

"TRA'shion Extravaganza"; fashion show features recycled, environmentally friendly clothing, jewelry, shoes, hats and more; 8 p.m. to midnight July 19; $10; ARTpool Gallery, 919 First Ave. N., St. Petersburg; www.artpoolrules.com

20th annual Cool Art Show; juried art show, fine arts and crafts; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 19-20; free; The Coliseum, 535 Fourth Ave. North, St. Petersburg; (727) 736-2976

Other galleries

ArtSpace; artists' studio workspaces are open for special exhibits, by appointment and during monthly Second Saturday Gallery Walks (5:30 to 9 p.m.); 10 Fifth St., St. Petersburg; (727) 391-8908

Nova 535 Art Lounge; gallery/lounge featuring bar, DJs and events galore; 6 to 10 p.m. Mondays or by appointment; 535 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. St. North; St. Petersburg; (727) 821-6682; www.nova535.com

RedLetter1; custom tattoo studio and art gallery hosts regular exhibits; noon to 8 p.m. daily; 1510 E. Eighth Ave., Ybor City; (813) 241-2435; www.redletter1.com

Transitions Art Gallery; small space behind the Skatepark of Tampa hosts regular exhibits along with frequent music events; 4215 E. Columbus Drive, Tampa; (813) 382-3477; www.transitionsartgallery.com

Vitale Art & Design Studio; graphic art and design business hosts regular exhibits; 2740 25th St. N., St. Petersburg; (727) 520-0969; www.vitalestudio.com

WHAT TO BUY

It's important to check out as much art as you can before you buy. Here's a quick list -- nowhere near complete -- of local artists to keep an eye on.

Artist:Anthony Zollo
Title:"Argument"
See more: www.myspace.com/azollo

Artist:Bask
Title:"Work"
See more: www.myspace.com/baskinyourthoughtcrimes

Artist:Brandon Dunlap
Title:"Downer"
See more: www.brandondunlap.com

Artist:Chris Parks
Title:"Gorilla"
See more: www.palehorsedesign.com

Artist:Mike Goodwine
Title:"Butter"
See more: www.myspace.com/mikegoodwine

Artist:Tes One
Title:"Taking Tree"
See more: www.tesone.com