DIY: How to become an art collector.

February 25, 2010


 

 

 

 

 

Ever walked into an art gallery and seen something you liked, something you thought would look just great hanging over your couch, but unfortunately you lacked the cash and cachet to start signing checks like Steven Cohen?

 

Well, say hello to my latest obsession, 20 x 200.com.

 

A fantastic little project started by Jen Bekman of the LES’s own Jen Bekman Gallery, 20 x 200 is a website that offers original, limited-edition works of art for as little as $20. Refusing to accept the notion that art collecting was an exclusive practice reserved for the elite, Bekman realized that, by combining low-cost, limited edition prints with the accessibility of the Internet, any art lover could soon become a collector. Thus she created a valuable forum both for emerging artists to sell their works, as well as for aspiring collectors to tiptoe their way into the process.

 

The website introduces two new pieces a week, one photo and one work on paper, most of which are available in three sizes. Prices range from $20 for an 8” x 10”, $50 for an 11” x 14”, and $200 for a 16” x 20”, and every single print comes with a certificate of authenticity signed by the artist. In fact, usually the original artwork itself is also available, so just let them know if you’re interested in the one-and-only.

 

The best way to get in on the ground-floor is to sign up for Jen’s newsletter. Subscribers to the newsletter not only get advanced notice of new editions, but also an inside perspective on 20x200 art and artists and the scoop on special events and offers.

 

This is a great way for you to not only start decorating your apartment, without resorting to Ikea prints, but also to refine your tastes as an art lover. Asking yourself whether this is something you would want to spend your money on will only strengthen your critical eye. Also, keep in mind that art often proves to be a good investment, increasing in value as the artist gains prestige. Indeed, some of Jen’s artists have gone on to be represented not only in her gallery, but also other important venues, such as the Whitney Biennial (opening this week!)

 

So log on and start browsing! What have you got to lose (besides a mere $20)? And then, one day, when you do have the bank account of a hedge-funder, you can boast already-established good taste and work your way to building a collection that rivals even that of Stevie Cohen.

 

written by YAH contributor Anne Cross.

 

 

Other things to check out this weekend:


The Whitney Biennial 2010 is now open!


So is the... The Brucennial 2010!

No relation, but it looks fun: 

HARDER. BETTER. FASTER. STRONGER.

OPENING

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25, 6pm - 2am  /  MUSIC FROM 9pm – 2am

BRUCEFORMA

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27, 6pm – MIDNIGHT

at 350 W BROADWAY (btwn GRAND and BROOME) 

& RECESS (Just around the corner at 41 GRAND ST)

 

and...

 

 

 

 

The Armory show opens to the public on March 4th.

 

Aurel Schmidt in the Whitney Biennial

 


Posted in ART on February 25, 2010 1:49pm by Madeline | 7 comments



Comments

Jenn11:58am | February 25, 2010

This is so useful!! Thanks so much for this. I am so sick of my barren walls. No more!

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