| Owning an original piece of art is definitely | | | | artists, they can put you in touch with them and |
| affordable if you know where to look. So many | | | | generally have some knowledge of this |
| people wish they could buy a one of a kind, but | | | | community. |
| assume it is far out of their price range. This is | | | | College Art Departments: Contact the art |
| not the case if you familiarize yourself with the | | | | department at the college nearest you. They may |
| local art community in your area. Often, for a | | | | be showing student work, or at least know of |
| fraction of the cost of the works by more well | | | | locations with current displays. Art teachers are |
| known artists, you can purchase unique originals | | | | sometimes local artists themselves, so this can be |
| by locals. Not only do you acquire a beautiful piece | | | | an interesting outlet to pursue. |
| of art, but support your home community as well. | | | | Restaurants & Coffee Houses: Area restaurants |
| Don't know where to start? Here are some | | | | and coffee bars frequently display local art. Many |
| suggestions: | | | | cities are seeing a regeneration of historic, down |
| Local Art Galleries: Most areas have at least one, | | | | town areas and establishments located in areas |
| if not several art galleries. If you are looking for a | | | | such as these are usually very receptive to |
| landscape painting, don't just focus on paintings, | | | | showing local art work. These works may not be |
| but check out facilities that incorporate artisans | | | | advertised, so just a browse through or night out |
| and crafters as well. Galleries generally offer a | | | | to dinner can yield surprising results. |
| fairly wide selection and usually display the works | | | | Art Guilds: Most communities have some sort of |
| of several artists at a time. You may only be | | | | guild or artist co-op. They may have their own |
| interested in landscapes, but don't limit your | | | | gallery space and are often involved in scheduling |
| search to only the locations advertising them. You | | | | and promoting art openings and events. Check |
| may be surprised at what is also available in a | | | | yellow page listings or try an on-line search to find |
| gallery that displays something like ceramics. | | | | out what is available in your area. |
| Custom Frame Shops: In addition to framing | | | | These are a just a few outlets to follow when |
| services, frame shops usually offer art for sale, | | | | looking for local art, but be creative. Boutiques, |
| often local art. Depending on their size limitations, | | | | libraries and art & craft fairs are all are possible |
| they may have only a few pieces or focus on | | | | avenues to try. The more you frequent local |
| one artist. Even if they are not currently hosting a | | | | establishments, the better your chances of |
| show, they are usually an excellent source to tap | | | | discovering unique and affordable art created by |
| into. If they have done framing work for local | | | | someone who might be your neighbor. |