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Art Smart: A Buyer's Guide To Tampa Bay
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, along with galleries worth checking out.
Sarah Hoye
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Clockwise From Top Left:
- "Work" by Bask
- "Butter" by Mike Goodwine
- "Taking Tree" by Tes One
- "Argument" by Anthony Zollo
- "Gorilla" by Chris Parks
- "Downer" by Brandon Dunlap
Want To See More?
Browse through dozens of works from the Bay area in our Local Artists Database.
4 Art-Buying Tips From 4 Local Aficionados
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
1. 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."
2. 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."
3. Learn to 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 you 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."
4. 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."
Map Of Local Galleries
View Larger Map | Want to add your gallery to the map? E-mail your information to shoye@tampatrib.com, subject line "Gallery Map."
Online producer: Emily Seawell, The Tampa Tribune
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