Atlanta is the place to explore art!

Art Business News, August, 2005 by K.C. McKenna

Register now for Artexpo Atlanta, Sept. 16-18, at the Georgia World Congress Center, by visiting www.artexpos.com.

The Southeast's largest fine art marketplace--Artexpo Atlanta--is building on the success of its inaugural 2004 show. Attendees can expect to experience a more dynamic, yet intimate, show floor. Twelve-foot high, bright-white hardwalls and more elaborate lighting, will enable art enthusiasts and collectors the opportunity to Explore Art (the event's theme) in a gallery-like setting.

As the ultimate art marketplace in the Southeast, Artexpo Atlanta is an unparalleled opportunity to Explore Art--from original paintings, sculpture and photography, to limited edition prints, giclees and animation. It's the place to purchase art for the home or the office.

Atlanta Art Experience

Artexpo Atlanta 2005 is pleased to host the "Atlanta Art Experience"--an exhibition of fine art galleries from the Southeast and throughout the world. As a "show within a show," the Atlanta Art Experience features select galleries of the Atlanta Gallery Association and other high-end galleries that are well-known in the art world.

And once again, Artexpo hosts the SOLO pavilion, showcasing the work of the world's emerging, independent artists. New to Artexpo Atlanta 2005 is SOLO Photo, featuring emerging photographic talent.

Artexpo Atlanta prides itself on offering art for all tastes, styles and budgets, for everyone from the veteran gallery owner and art collector, to the first-time buyer starting a collection. Because art is more of an extension of one's self than merely something that hangs on the wall, Artexpo showcases a variety, allowing every art enthusiast at the show the opportunity to Explore Art, and find the perfect piece for their collection, from original paintings, photography and sculpture, to limited edition prints, giclees and animation.

Below are six tips for shopping the show, whether you're selecting art for your gallery, or your home or office.

1) Look for Art that Speaks to You

When it comes to art, it's important that you find beauty in it, and aren't swayed by something you don't truly like. The piece is worth nothing if you recognize no personal value in it.

2) Keep an Open Mind

If you walk the show floor with too many predisposed ideas of what the perfect piece of art is or isn't, you will end up disappointed. Keep an open mind, and be receptive to new art.

3) Don't Overlook the Undiscovered

Remember, being world-famous doesn't increase the

quality of the work. After all, the world's greatest artists were once undiscovered. So, be sure to look at the work of Artexpo Atlanta's SOLO artists.

4) Think Aesthetically

Fine art certainly can appreciate, but it should be purchased first and foremost for its aesthetics.

5) Have a 'Home' for Your Art

If you're a consumer shopping for a piece of art that will accent your home or office, decide whether the art you're considering for purchase will complement your home and office, and if you have enough space to properly hang the painting or place the sculpture.

And if you're a gallery owner or director shopping the show for new artists, the same principle holds true: be sure the art that you're considering complements your inventory.

6) Ask Questions

Artexpo Atlanta exhibitors are very well-informed. They know art, and they know their gallery's artists. They'll be happy to answer questions regarding artists, as well as the technical and philosophical aspects of the works. Learning more about the works will make them more valuable to you.

Art's value is not only based upon beauty, but upon rarity, authenticity, quality, condition, and provenance. These are all important factors to consider when collecting art. While all are important, some may give way to others. For instance, if a work is rare, but is in poor condition, it may still warrant a high price based upon rarity alone.

Authenticity

No one likes fakes, so it's important that you are comfortable with the authenticity of the piece. Dealers who represent artists or their estates have access to primary source information that can be used to authenticate work. A dealer with an extensive history of handling a specific artist's work will also build up an archive of information, as well as a body of experience that can help resolve questions of authorship or title.

Quality

The best way to understand and determine the quality of the piece of art is to review many similar works. When you look at other art, quality distinguishes itself. If you're a consumer who lacks the kind of familiarity with art needed to determine the quality of the piece, then it is best to consult an art dealer. The artistic grasp of an art dealer can serve as a greater determinant for the quality of the piece.

Rarity

In most cases, rarity increases the value of the work. There are exceptions, but a work's value is normally enhanced based on the number of similar pieces that exist, and the number of opportunities to purchase the work.

Condition

A work's condition is extremely important, and one has the right to know whether a piece of art has any defects, or has undergone repairs. With some artists or types of work, it is impossible to find a piece that is in pristine condition. So, while a piece may not be in mint condition, it may still retain much value based on the circumstances.