Any home, no matter the size or decorative style, can be personalized with artwork. I don’t just mean paintings hanging on the walls, either. While paintings or framed posters and photographs are an easy place to start, there are plenty of other options available, too. If you’re interested in buying art, but aren’t sure where to go look, then this list is for you.
I’m lucky enough to live in a good-sized city that values the work of local artists. As such, I’m surrounded by galleries of all sizes, from large high-end facilities that feature traditional portraits and paintings, to small,
modern spaces that prefer to showcase contemporary and funky artwork. Even if you don’t personally live in a city that has any art galleries, there’s a good chance that the largest city near your home does. Because of the differences in the atmosphere and art of each individual gallery, it can be a daunting experience trying to find the right one. Luckily, many cities host Art Walks or Art Hops, where the galleries are all open in the evening and welcome visitors to come and visit as many or as few as they want. It’s a great way to spend the evening with friends while also discovering which galleries you’ll want to visit more often.
For smaller art pieces, like small figurines or pottery, consider looking at boutiques or similar small independent stores. While such businesses are primarily known for selling clothes, they can also be a great place to buy unique art work. Art of all kinds will frequently be featured at boutiques, as they are a great way for a business to decorate their store while also helping out a local artist. Coffee shops are another example of a business that often highlights the work of local artists, whether they are painters or photographers. The art work on display at these locations is often for sale, with information on how to contact the artist if you are interested in a specific piece.
If painting isn’t your thing and you’d prefer something a little more tangible, like sculptural pieces or pottery, or you want to know where to buy glass art, consider checking out local arts and crafts fairs. At these fairs, artisans set up booths featuring their work, and the variety of items is incredible. Depending on which fair you choose, you could find sculptures made out of horseshoes or small detailed clay figurines. These fairs are also the perfect place to find seasonal decorative items, such as beautiful glass-blown Christmas ornaments and signs to put in your front yard at Halloween.
Don’t forget that this list isn’t just for art buyers, as the information can be very useful to artists, too. If you are an artist who wants to start making some money with you artwork but aren’t sure where to go to find a list of places to sell art, consider this your helpful guide!