S  By Rachael Bouley hopping for your first piece of artwork can be daunting when there are many local art galleries and creations to choose from. So how do you go about finding and buying a piece of art you can love for years to come? Here’s what some local art aficionados recommend: Embrace the excitement One of the main things people should feel when shopping for art is that it excites them. Valerie Hildebrand, manager of On the Edge Gallery, encourages buyers to make sure they really like an art piece before they invest. “The ‘right’ piece of artwork will always catch your attention when you see it,” Hildebrand said. “It may invoke memories of a vacation, a happy event, a calming state of mind or just the excitement it invoked when you found it.” It’s helpful to look at a lot of artwork and get permission from the gallery or artist to take photos of the art to review later. Inquiring about the medium, technique, inspiration and artist can give people a better sense of the piece. “You may even find an artist or two who you want to follow to see how their work develops over time,” Hildebrand said. “Don’t be overly concerned with a style or whether it goes with your décor. If you love it then it’s the right piece.” Visit a local gallery Shoppers should also keep in mind the benefits of visiting local art galleries for their first purchase. Philip Koss, gallery manager of American Fine Art Inc., suggests speaking to an art consultant in person. “Look for a reputable gallery that carries a variety of artwork, different styles, genres, subject matter and prices so that you can see the artwork firsthand, in real life, to select what you like,” Koss said. “We suggest that people buy the best they can afford of what they love.” Koss recommends buying online only if it’s with a gallery that has a proven track record and a physical location. It’s important to get up close and personal with artwork to see if you can imagine living with it day in and day out. “The influence and impact of artwork in a home is immeasurable,” Koss added. “It can change the ambience, it can create the feeling of home, it can ignite your passion for life, and it can spark your imagination every day.” Appreciate art that grabs your attention Michael Costello, owner of Costello Gallery, reminds buyers that art is subjective and they should stay true to their own opinions and preferences. While black and white art pieces are trending right now, as well as graphic pieces, it’s all up to the buyer and what they think of the artwork – art is intended to evoke a response. “Buying art isn’t a horse race. It’s about getting it right, not getting it quick,” Costello said. “You’re looking to spend money on something which is going to enhance where you live, so you need to spend the time and find a gallery that’s willing to work with you.” Educating oneself on art and learning more about the artists will help people get a better idea of what they want. “Collecting art is fun, but before you collect anything you need a basic understanding of art,” Costello said. “It’s not a prerequisite that you have a degree in art to buy it.” Ask about “on approval” options Max Smith, manager of Art One Gallery, advocates that first-time art buyers should ask galleries about their “on approval” options, where shoppers can take a piece home and keep it for a short period of time to test it out. At Art One, where all of the art comes from students and local artists, they insist that buyers try it out and see if the art fits into their environment. Getting as much information about the art and the artist is worthwhile, too. No matter where your art shopping adventures take you, Smith suggests you keep in mind the impact art can have on a living space. “I think art has such an importance in your home,” Smith said. “It gives you an outside perspective and challenges you to look at things in a different way.” Buying your first piece of art Desert Ladies by M. Sullivan. Bryce I by Bruce Boyce. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE EDGE GALLERY Sal Cosenza’s six-foot wide painting entitled “Out of the Darkness, Into the Light.” PHOTO COURTESY OF ART ONE GALLERY

15 Investing in the art market the art market the art market I nvesting in a piece of artwork can offer some different benefits than traditional assets, especially considering expansion, aesthetic appeal and a lower rate of depreciation compared to financial markets, where risk is a primary factor. According to marketing and stock website benzinga.com, “Market risk is inherent to the stock market and can’t be diversified away. No matter how many cheap index funds you buy, you’re still going to lose value during a downturn.” The good news is, pieces of art aren’t correlated to the whims of Wall Street. By buying art, people can create a value in a nonorthodox financial category. One benefit of investing in a passion category like art is the usage and enjoyment an owner will experience while holding the asset. Not all art is free of depreciation, and rates of return will vary. Always keep in mind that your investment is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it and sometimes it could be a complete financial loss. Perhaps then it could become a donation to your favorite charity, and maybe the loss could be offset with a tax deduction (check with your CPA)? Here are a few tips: • Invest in art books and do some research – educate yourself on the different types of art and artists. • Window-shop at galleries and museums – check online reviews to learn about gallery reputations. • Consider calling in the professionals – an art consultant could be benefi cial in deciding what piece to buy and where to buy it. • Don’t overspend for a famous artist – if you’re not ready to pay full price for a piece from a well-known artist, consider an edition, which is one in a series of the same image. • Make sure your home or renter’s insurance will cover its value – you may need to buy additional coverage. • Be careful where you put your art. If the work might fade, make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight. • Now, sit back and enjoy your investment! 50,000       . Favorite Spaces • PAGE 4 With the real estate and remodeling business going strong, it’s the ideal time to advertise your business to Arcadia homeowners. SPRING • SUMMER • WINTER Release date: May 1 2020 Home & Design Guide · Special pull-out section in Arcadia News . · Featuring home-related content and advertising. · A go-to guide for Arcadia’s discriminating homeowners. Contact Roni Mier at roni@arcadianews.com or 602-840-6379. Don’t forget! The deadline is: Wednesday, April 15, 2020