Best places to view and possibly buy original paintings in metro area? (Alexandria: houses, buying)

[ACWhite]

Hi everyone,

We're interested in modern art and wondered if anyone has had good experiences locating galleries, art spaces, etc., of great but relatively unknown local or other artists. We're not talking five figures per painting, just interesting stuff by creative and skillful people. I know about the places everyone knows, like the Torpedo Factory, but need recommendations for other options. Thanks in advance for suggestions!

[spencgr]

Local arts festivals. I, personally, like the one in Reston (late May), but Alexandria does a few and Bethesda has one or two.

Great opportunity to see lots of artists at once.

We actually plan vacations around art festivals in other cities.

[lovnova]

A old friend of my family has a studio in Fairfax City. His name is Joe Pisani, Art Gallery 101, Ltd. He is a very talented local artist. We have several of his works. No idea if his art will interest you.

[ACWhite]

Thanks, Spencgr and Lovnova.

[Ffxdata]

Secondary market is where it’s at. As an arts professional, the best thing you can do for yourself is save your money and buy at auction. Look for an artist who is “listed” ie proven on the secondary market and it shores up your investment as well.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Ffxdata

Secondary market is where it’s at. As an arts professional, the best thing you can do for yourself is save your money and buy at auction. Look for an artist who is “listed” ie proven on the secondary market and it shores up your investment as well.

Interesting. Is this a good option for initial buys of art you just want to have in your house and stare at? I don't look at my art purchases as investments (although I've certainly spent enough that it could be), I only look at it as buying what I want I truly want to look at.

Can you provide more information as to these auctions? Are you talking Christies and the likes?

[Ffxdata]

Originally Posted by spencgr

Interesting. Is this a good option for initial buys of art you just want to have in your house and stare at? I don't look at my art purchases as investments (although I've certainly spent enough that it could be), I only look at it as buying what I want I truly want to look at.

Can you provide more information as to these auctions? Are you talking Christies and the likes?

Potomack Company Auctioneers
Weschler’s Auctioneers
Quinn’s in Falls Church

I would, personally, never buy art as an investment. I’m just saying that you can pay $9k for art you love on your walls or $1k for the same thing not purchased from a gallery. Gallery mark up is unreal. If you see an artist you absolutely love in a gallery, go for it, but don’t ever expect to recoup even half of what you pay.

[spencgr]

Originally Posted by Ffxdata

Potomack Company Auctioneers
Weschler’s Auctioneers
Quinn’s in Falls Church

I would, personally, never buy art as an investment. I’m just saying that you can pay $9k for art you love on your walls or $1k for the same thing not purchased from a gallery. Gallery mark up is unreal. If you see an artist you absolutely love in a gallery, go for it, but don’t ever expect to recoup even half of what you pay.

I absolutely agree about the gallery costs! That's why I recommended the arts festival route. Thanks for the links to the action houses.....

[ACWhite]

Thanks, Ffxdata.

[17thAndK]

Many artists (local and not) working in many different media sell at area craft shows. The Sugarloaf tour is one of the oldest and largest. They'll be indoors at the Dulles Expo Center in Chantilly on Dec 8-10, and outdoors at the Gaithersburg and Timonium fair grounds before that. If you're looking for original work, getting it from the source can be a worthwhile and affordable way to proceed.

Fall Festival Schedule