Where to buy original art for your home?
You're finally a homeowner. After years of rental life and having to incorporate roommates' furniture, not being able to put nails in the walls or make home improvements, you are finally able to take creative control over your living space. That's right, you OWN your home, which means you can fully realize your creative vision for your living space. Decorating your rooms can be a great deal of work, but the process can also be joyful. Developing your personal style and choosing pieces that bring you joy can be incredibly satisfying, and it is essential to remember that you can take your time. You do not have to fully decorate your entire home within the first year of moving in. You can add pieces to your home over time, and it's never too late to switch things up.
Artwork is an essential part of home decor. While there is no limit to the number of places you can buy art for your home, there is a lot to be said for skipping the mass-produced pieces from stores like Target, Ikea, and Amazon in favor of selecting original pieces of artwork. Choosing ease over originality has its place, but when it comes to what you decide to hang on your walls or place on your shelves, you may as well invest more energy into those decisions. Having a unique piece with its backstory that nobody else has makes your home feel extra special and personal to you. Plus, artwork is an excellent investment, will last you a lifetime, and can even become an heirloom.
Now the real question is, where to buy original artwork? Knowing where to start is half the battle. Many high-end galleries can feel out of the average homeowner's price range. But you don't have to invest a lot of money to purchase great original art. Here are a few tips!
Check out your local art school: In Baltimore, we have the acclaimed art school MICA. They regularly hold art shows of their students' work, and you could pick up a piece of art from a budding talented artist at a great price. Check out when their student shows are scheduled or browse original art on the Mica Marketplace!
Pay attention while at your neighborhood coffee shop: Many coffee shops feature artwork by local artists for sale. As opposed to a fancy art gallery, they tend to be more affordable, and while you might pass by the art on the wall without giving it a second glance, take a closer look next time you are in a coffee shop with artwork hanging on the wall and see if it’s for sale. Being more aware of art on the walls may be a great way to acquire an original and fun piece.
Scope out galleries while you're on vacation: While supporting artists in your hometown is wonderful, buying art while on vacation is a great way to capture a long-lasting memory of a great trip. Seeing the work you got while on that trip to Paris each day in your kitchen will be sure to bring a smile to your face. Plus, you'll have a blast seeing how artistic styles differ from region to region.
Shop online at Novica: Want to browse from home? Novica is a great online resource for original art. Founded in 1999, Novica is partnered with National Geographic and the Aspen Institute Artisan Alliance to source work directly from artists worldwide. Each listing comes with a description of the artist and the piece.
Browse local street fairs and festivals: Check out your local farmer's market, spring festival, or holiday market and scope out artists’ booths. Browsing through street fairs is a great way not only to pick up a piece of art but to learn about more artists in your community for the future.
You can pick up one piece at a time and build your collection over several years or even throughout your lifetime. This approach may be a little more work than simply picking up a print or reproduced canvas from an aisle at IKEA, but the extra effort is likely to bring so much more joy into your home, and the journey will hopefully be fun, too!
If you are looking to upgrade your house or are a first-time homebuyer, I can help you find the perfect place to call home. Reach out to me through my website or give me a call at (302) 545-8569, and follow my blog for more home-related tips!