A Curator At Work: Collecting Art With Sarah MK Moody

Get the beginner's guide to collecting art with artist and gallery curator, Sarah M.K. Moody's, top 5 tips.

On a rainy Friday morning in early May, I sat down with Sarah M.K. Moody, artist and owner of the 1020 Collective, a gallery located in downtown Erie, Pennsylvania. There's great value, I think, in turning away from the mass produced prints you find in the big box home decor stores, and instead turning toward art that is very real, very present, and most certainly, very nuanced. I knew that starting a personal art collection is often a daunting endeavor for many, so I wanted to find out the best way to begin. This is what she told me:

1. Forget your preconceived notions about the art world and the act of collecting art.

Art is here for everyone to enjoy, whether they are appreciating the work of others in galleries and museums, or creating their own works. Building your own art collection is a very personal journey that involves quite a bit of self-discovery and reflection, and you will get the most benefit out of it when you simply ignore the outside noise telling you what you should and shouldn't be interested in. In reality, the world of art is not as closed off or unwelcoming as it so often is portrayed as being. It's accessible, and it's right there waiting for you the minute you decide to explore.

2. Make a list of the galleries in your area and check them out.

The easiest way to begin your art collecting journey is to take note of your local galleries and do a bit of research on them. Find out when they're open and take a look around—it's completely free to stop by and see what's being displayed. If you happen to find something that really intrigues you, just ask the curator about the piece, they're usually very happy to have a conversation about the works and tell you a few details. And if you don't see anything that particularly piques your interest, that's okay too. There's something beautiful about the impermanence of a gallery's collection. There are always new pieces coming and going.

3. Go to gallery nights and opening receptions whenever you can.

Again, completely free, and open to the public. Check these dates out when you're doing your research, and make a plan to go. It doesn't matter if you're going solo or with a friend, the experience is all about what you decide to make it. If you don't want to do too much talking, that's fine, there are always a few people who simply slip in, appreciate the art, and slip back out again, enjoying their time to themselves. If you want more of a social experience, no worries! Gallery nights are the perfect place to meet new people, discuss thoughts, and connect with your fellow human beings. Contemplate a piece that you really enjoy, then ask some questions, make some comments, and you might walk away with a budding friendship.

4. Remember that there may be options when it comes to purchasing pieces.

Collecting art is definitely more accessible than you may think it is. If you truly like a piece and you find that you simply can't walk away from it, track down the curator and open up a conversation about purchasing it. If the full price sounds a bit out of your budget, ask the curator if the artist would be amenable to a payment plan where you could make three or so payments on the piece. You'd be surprised how many living artists would be open to accepting alternative payment arrangements from someone who truly appreciated their work. Still out of budget? Ask the curator and the artist if they would be open to creating smaller prints of the work, so that you could still enjoy it, but for a lower cost. Remember, it's all in how you say it. Someone's hard work should never be undervalued, but there is often some flexibility when it comes to purchasing, especially for those who sincerely enjoy an artist's pieces.

5. And, whatever you do, don't listen to the opinions of others!

Though the world of art collecting is a social one, where you can meet and form bonds with many different people from all walks of life, ultimately this journey is all about discovering yourself and what you genuinely enjoy. Tune out the noise of people telling you what to buy, or what's trendy, or what's the best investment. Sure, you can buy a piece for the investment value, that's a valid explanation. However, art is an emotional, spiritual, and mental product. You can derive so much meaning from it, and if you break down your self-risen barriers, you may find that it can feed the deepest parts of your spirit.

Lorraine & Friends