FamiLee Life

Art a Month Musings

I made a decision a year or so ago to try to purchase more artwork. My impetus was a strong desire (a) to actually decorate my home's very bare walls and (b) to support local artists. My stated goal at the time was to purchase one piece of art a month and my end goal was to host an art reception in which I invite the twelve artists whose works I had purchased in the past year and as many friends that can fit into the house. Perhaps, I thought, some other friends would feel inspired to purchase more art from these artists. Great idea, right?

Well, after the purchase of one photograph from Wing Young Huie, my monthly art purchase stopped. What happened? First, I had not correctly calculated into this equation the true cost of framing. Second, I had not realized the importance of actively searching out the next art piece for purchase. Third, I had come into possession of two (and now three) paintings from my father which required a fair amount of money to frame.

Fast forward a year....

A couple of weeks ago, I attended the 55408 exhibit at Intermedia Arts. I wrote about it here. While at the reception, hanging out with friends, singing a song or two (Thunder Road by the Boss and, for the first time ever, All Night Long by Lionel Richie), I decided to take a look around at the artwork. The 55408 show is unique in that anyone who lives in (or around) the 55408 zipcode area can have their work shown. Now, this strategy may seem dangerous (what crayon drawings on a napkin from the Uptown Bar might end up on display?) but it seems to work. Obviously, some works are stronger than others, but it's a great tribute to the plethora of working (and weekend) artists residing in South Minneapolis.

Well, I ended up buying three pieces of felt art by local artist Margaret McGee who is a professor at MCAD. I purchased the one that is above and two similar ones (see the rest of the Molecules series). They are still on display at IA till mid-March, so feel free to check them out!

This spur of the moment purchase has really got me motivated to re-start this "art a month" project. I may have to scale back a bit on other things to make it affordable, but it is something I would really like to do. So...which artist is up next? Suggestions are welcome.

Posted by richlee at February 10, 2007 10:32 AM