Two days ago I wrapped up my show with ArtExpo Las Vegas which took place last weekend in the Mandalay Bay Casino and Resort Convention Center. This was the first time I had ever participated in a show of this magnitude. There were gallery owners, publishers, agents and collectors perusing the isles as well as the unclassified lover of art. Some people had just stumbled upon the show looking for a relief from the bells and whistles of the casino floor. Most of the attendees were art world professionals looking for specific artists or genres to fulfill very specific needs. ArtExpo seems the perfect solution as it provides a wide array of themes and artistic styles to chose from. I was proud to be a part of the SOLO section. It seemed to me to offer the greatest variety and energy. Donned in dark gray fabric-covered booth partitions one could immediately identify the essence of the exhibiting artist's portfolio. Either it spoke to you or it didn't. As one of these artists, it was quite clear when someone was drawn to my work. This made it easy to identify my audience and who I should invest more time with discussing my artwork and gathering information about their specific needs.
I have to confess there were a lot of rumblings on the show floor amongst exhibitors this year. The biggest complaint was not that people were not buying, but that people were not attending at all. In the same week that Wall Street experienced financial bailouts rivaled only to America's Great Depression in 1929, there was a showing of art, which is often considered to be a luxury item, in a city that was created to appeal to those with disposable income. How does it happen? What does an artist do in times like these to survive? I spoke to many fellow exhibitors, and the best answer I can offer is summed up with this old adage: "Tough times never last, but tough people do." Those of you that did brave it out to the show, even just to look, were witness to some of the toughest artists in the business. They were braving the storm, because they believe in their work, and they refuse to give up. It goes without saying, that these are probably the artists everyone needs to be investing in right now. They will outlast these economic times. How many articles have you been reading lately that give you advice about what do do with your at risk savings? The greatest advice there is today is to diversify your portfolio. Art, especially original art, is not only something to be enjoyed and treasured for years to come, it is an investment. Probably one of the best long-term investments there is available in today's economy. You are the steward of this investment. You will most likely see it on a regular basis. It won't suddenly disappear because of someone else's poor investment choices. If it is artwork that has truly spoken to you, it will invigorate you, inspire you, and enrich your life in ways you could never imagine. And when the economy recovers, as it eventually will, it will be more valuable than ever. You will smile to yourself and remember what a smart choice it was to invest in art when all your other investments were in jeopardy.
My last words of advice to the art investor: buy what you love, buy originals. If you can't afford it, work something out with the artist. Possibly you can set up a timed payment plan, or you can become a patron who supports the artist with a monthly contribution that you can redeem for artwork when you have accrued enough in your account. You can barter services or supplies. Artists are so much easier to work with than banks and financial advisers. Most of all, be respectful. It's not about getting something for as cheap as you can. It's about collecting something of value that has the potential to increase in value over the years. Follow the artist's career. Stay in touch. They are as much a part of your investment as the artwork itself. Most of all, place your artwork somewhere you can enjoy it for years to come. Let it work its magic on your heart and soul. Before you know it, the clouds will clear and we will all be back on the road to positive thinking and positive outcomes.
Bonnie Kelso, Artist
Las Vegas, Nevada
