Buying Art in Brownsville

Have you ever considered investing in art? How would one go about buying art in Brownsville? Today, while reading Kiplinger's Personal Finance magazine, I came upon an interesting article called "Art Smarts" describing how art critic and consultant Alan Bamberger has brought buying art down to a science and treats it like making any other purchase.

My favorite quote:

Author of The Art of Buying Art, Bamberger makes no apologies for treating art like cantaloupe. "Buying art is not that much different from shopping for any other product," he says. "You have to ask the right questions and not be intimidated."

While I don't personally equate art to a cantaloupe, I agree that buying art should be done with making an investment in mind. No one would want to invest in eating bad fruit, would they? When it comes to purchasing art, it's not about picking out the bad apples, rather it's about defining your tastes and resources. It could be that you think a Monet is one heck of a cantaloupe whereas that Donatello just isn't doing it for you.

As a prospective art buyer, the best thing you could do is to look at as much art as possible and learn about the various resources you have available to you. After you have more or less distinguished your preferences, then you need to ask the right questions such as Bamberger advises in his article. And for every type of taste in art there is, there is art to be bought ranging from various sizes to prices. Again, it's a matter of knowing your market and asking the right questions...and most importantly knowing what you want and setting your guidelines. Such as, how much are you willing to spend and what are you interested in...do you want a piece that impacts you on a personal level or do you want a piece to match the curtains in the living room...both valid and fair guidelines.

So what are the resources and options in the Brownsville art market and community? Below I have made a list of different components of the Brownsville art scene and in the upcoming weeks I will write a post on each facet. When it comes to buying art, each facet offers you a different type of opportunity and perspective to welcome into your collection and art experience. Anyone, and yes I mean anyone can become an art collector and below I will give you a few clues and then elaborate on them in the upcoming weeks. Also take a look at the index to the left for website links to the sources I mention below.

Museums and Centers
The Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
Casa de Cultura Carlotta Petrina

Art Festivals and Fairs
The Brownsville Art League/Brownsville Museum of Fine Art often holds art competitions and fairs where local art and crafts can be bought at fairly reasonable prices.

Fine Artists
Brownsville has it's fair share of established artists who are known by name: Don Breeden (known for his watercolors and sketches of Brownsville landmarks and nature), Toni Hudson (whose art base is located at Paseo Plaza), abstract expressionist artist Cande Aquilar and Chicano artists Carlos Gomez, Celina Hinojosa and George Truan. If you want to own a piece of art that will bring your local collection some prestige, or "ooohhs or ahhhs", then give these artists a look and be prepared to spend a pretty penny.

Brownsville Contemporary Art Scene
Brownsville galleries such as Imagenes Art Studio and Tin Soup Gallery will offer you the dynamics of the Brownsville contemporary art scene. You will find an array of artists displayed, from established artists to newer artists who are just beginning to get their name out in the community. The art and prices will vary on the experience and exposure of the artist, but you can count on these galleries to display what is fresh and moving in the Brownsville art scene.

Student Art
Perhaps you are limited financially or more interested in being a patron to a yet to be discovered artist. Then I would give Brownsville's student artists a look. The best places to look:
The University of Texas at Brownsville Richardson Art Gallery (home to UTB art students)
High School Art Classrooms
Next time you are at any of these locations, give the art classroom a swing. There are many young and talented artists who are making spectacular and innovative art and have yet to tap into the art market. As first-time sellers or beginners, they are just getting their feet wet and as an art buyer, you are most likely to come out with a well-made work of art for a very fair if not cheap price.

The Brownsville Culturati
If you are interested in learning about or getting involved with what is going on at the top of the Brownsville fine art scene and advocacy, then you need to get in touch with these folks.
Amigos Artistas
Brownsville Museum of Fine Art
UTB/TSC Patron of the Arts

Treasure Hunting
Antiques, folk art and second-hand keepsakes are a bound in Brownsville...keep a look out for estate sales, garage and yard sales and give our local "pulga" and downtown Brownsville a visit.

Public Establishments
A few restaurants around town allow artists to use their wall as commercial space. I know for sure that Gazpacho's by Sunrise Mall does and perhaps a few of the coffee shops around town, though I am out of touch with who in particular. Just keep a sharp eye, especially at doctor's offices, lawyer's offices and educational facilities, like the schools and the University. The art on their walls may not be on sell what you will get an idea of what other Brownsville art collectors are interested in.

The Internet
You can count on The Art of Brownsville to keep you informed one what's going on with art in Brownsville, but hey there is only so much one person can do and sometimes I miss out on information or events. So if you know of any events or happenings going on, let me know.

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So in the next few weeks, I will elaborate on the facets I have listed above. On this matter, I will focus soley on Brownsville and then expand to other parts of the Valley and Tamaulipas. Ofcourse I will continue to promote art from this region and would be most happy to post any information sent my way. Again, if you have any information or other resources you would like to share please let me know. Until then, consider investing time and/or money in art. Art is a wonderful investment that will bring color and culture into your life and home. If you have any questions about art feel free to ask and I would be most happy to answer. Have a great day!