Once upon a time I found original art unapproachable and had the misconception that it would be out of my budget, so I stayed away from those "fancy art galleries". However, several years ago a dear friend introduced me to a local gallery where I purchased my first piece of original art for around $150...and I was hooked. Since that time, I've actually taken a few leaps of faith in buying art as gifts for others and have been pleased at how well-received it was - especially to those who have never purchased original art - so today I want to talk about gifting a truly unique gift...the gift of art.
Click through the slideshow below for pieces that caught my eye.
I sat down yesterday with my favorite local gallery owner, Ron York, whose gallery York and Friends Fine Art in Nashville has a wonderful selection of art at all price points (seriously, as low as $50!) and in all styles. Below is some advice he shared when considering gifting a piece of art:
- Play it safe by choosing a piece with a particular theme or color you know the recipient likes. Big fan of birds? Then find a piece featuring a bird. Loves the color pink? Choose a piece that prominently features that color.
- Start small. A smaller art piece can be displayed on a bookshelf or table - it doesn't require the recipient to clear off wall space or to find that perfect spot. Now, if you know the person pretty well and know they have a particular space they're wanting to fill, you can take more risk with your gift.
- Think carefully before buying unframed art. Ideally, when gifting you don't want to create work for the recipient. Giving a piece of unframed art is fine, but consider also giving them a gift card for framing costs or having the piece framed yourself.
- Give a gallery gift certificate. Art is personal and each piece speaks differently to each person. If you're not a gift risk taker, then consider giving them a gift certificate to a gallery where the recipient can choose their own piece - and then go with them to see what they choose! A $100 gift certificate to a gallery likely will result in a more memorable gift than the same amount to a department store.
- Think outside the canvas. Art can be in the form of glassware (vases, tumblers) or pottery (beautiful bowls for fruit or simply objects for display).
These glass tumblers could be used for pens, pencils or even makeup brushes! Image southern giftologist
Ron showed me many pieces currently in his gallery for $100 or less, so if you're still searching for a unique gift this holiday season, be sure to visit his gallery (or one in your area if you're outside of Nashville) or a local art show event and support your local artists!
A huge thank you to Ron for chatting with me yesterday...and if you're looking for a gift for me, stop by and he'll happily show you some of my favorite pieces! Happy gifting!
