As an interior design buff, it’s no surprise that I’m also drawn to works of art. I love it for the unique, emotional quality it can bring to a space and the way it can transform a room. On a personal level, it’s something Joe and I both appreciate and seek together. We’ve even added a line item to our budget to save on future art purchases. The fact that Joe and I really enjoy browsing together means a lot to me. He has eliminated most of the decorating choices in our home but he loves finding art, which makes the process meaningful to both of us.
We bought our first major artwork for first home together, a modern apartment. In the first house we bought, we didn’t buy investment art because we spent most of our money on many home renovations and updates. In our current home we have added some original artwork from time to time.
We have shared many blog posts over the years highlighting various art sources, many of which are intentional about end-of-spectrum budget-friendly. And while there’s absolutely a time and place to buy pieces at lower prices, the focus of this post is on fine art, mostly original or limited edition pieces. There are plenty of reasons to buy original or limited edition artwork. One of the most important is that it is a tangible way to place value on the talents and skills of artists, whose livelihood is their art.
Even if investment art isn’t in your budget right now, I still recommend browsing art at any price point. I think once you dip your foot in the art world, you realize the value that art can have, and you get more used to the experience and what you like. It’s about the relationship you have with different pieces of work and allowing that to inform the kind of art you can buy in the future. Indoor art is about the people who live in it, their interests and perspectives, and it’s a great way to reflect those things visually.
I hope you find some fascinating work through the fine art resources below!
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The art of Saatchi
The art of Saatchi is a large marketplace where artists can sell both original work and copies of their work. One night, when I didn’t want to do anything else, I would stuff my iPad, browse websites, and save things that caught my eye. Along the way, I’ve found some artists I love that I’ve never met. My favorite way of browsing is by medium because you can navigate your way through the site with curiosity and ease.
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Chairish
Chairish is a marketplace for beautiful, unique home pieces and their art collection is no exception. You can find vintage pieces, oil paintings, etc. Often the pieces are framed and ready to hang. I have purchased some wonderful Roman reliefs on plaster and some small oil paintings, and I have always been very pleased with my purchase. Prices are higher than what you’d find at an antique store — although there’s a bargaining option — so that’s something to watch out for! Plus, they have a strict return policy — you only have forty-eight hours after delivery to return your item.
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St. Frank
St. Frank are a really fascinating source for unique art objects or textiles. I think this type of artwork specifically sparks curiosity and encourages people to learn more about what they’re buying. The products they sell are a great way to bring texture, color and pattern into a home. Prints we have in our family room have exactly that effect.
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Magnum Photo
First time I heard about Magnum Photo through my friend Leslie, who co-owns an art gallery in Minneapolis (more on that below!). Magnum Photos sells limited edition photographic prints. I find the documentary photography style they show very captivating. It’s a freezing time frame that can be emotional. I love browsing through their prints and saving those that I might want to purchase in the future.
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Art
Art is a large marketplace whose products range in price from a few hundred dollars all the way up to seven-figure prices. It’s a great place to browse and get acquainted with what you like. Whether you choose to buy anything or not, you can still create a profile, save works, and build a library of art that speaks to you.
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Exhibition A
Exhibition A is a really cool site with tons of beautiful pieces. Although I have not purchased from them, when I search for markets that are actually interested in the artists they recommend, this has popped up time and time again. They carry works from a wide range of artists and sell everything from original works to limited edition prints to unique objects and sculptures.
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Tappan Collective
Tappan Collective understood as another way to find original and limited works from emerging artists. It’s a lot about the curators and the artists they bring in to showcase. If you like what you see, I recommend you sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date with the new artists they’re featuring!
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Art of surprise
Art of surprise is a venue somewhat similar to Exhibition A and Tappan Collective. It is meant to be a unique way to browse and buy original works from emerging artists online. We have one piece by artist Stacey Beach hangs over our main hallway. Again, if you like what you see on their website, I recommend you sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date with their latest news.
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ArtStar
ArtStar is a large art market that showcases contemporary art in original prints and limited editions. The style range is definitely more focused, which can help you navigate easier. It’s another way to browse and experience contemporary works.
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Casting
Newer to the art space is Casting, one of my perennial favorite places to browse art. Two of the pieces in our family room are Minted’s, hanging on either side of our fireplace — the one Shes Prints bloom and Print version of The Fox Takes Off Her Gloves. You can browse the original works along with a large selection of limited edition prints on their website.
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Weinstein Hammons Gallery
Weinstein Hammons Gallery is a local gallery where I have made my substantial art investments. My friend Leslie is the co-owner of the gallery and they always put together really interesting shows with great artists. I bought the Venice print in our dining room from an artist Gail Albert Halaban and the picture in the digger room Paolo Ventura’s Quarantine Diary Exhibition.
Whether you’re in Minneapolis or another city, galleries like this are truly exceptional to have in our neighborhoods. Wherever you are, I encourage you to make an appointment (or visit during opening hours), ask questions, enjoy the artwork there, and if and when the time comes, consider purchasing one. Being exposed to art in local, curated galleries is something I wish more people did.
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MCAD Art Discount
MCAD Art Discount is a great spot for locals to the Twin Cities. It’s been a while since I’ve received and given to others looking to purchase original works from local artists. Always an event and really exciting to see the talent coming from the school. For those who aren’t local to Twin Cities, there are sure to be other sales at art schools around the country. It’s something well worth exploring in your own community!
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Kate is currently learning to play the ukulele, leaving her husband, children and dogs desperate. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
