With the summer season upon us, there are so many art fairs springing up, well established ones and newbies. It’s a really interesting way to shop for unique quality items, and armed with a few tips you can really make the most of art fairs. As an artist who has participated in art fairs, I'd like to shine a light on some of the lesser known tips for shopping at an art fair.
Do your research, find the right fair that suits you. With hundreds to choose from, you’re bound to find something up your street. They range from affordable art to high end, but rest assured they are curated and participants pay a fee to exhibit, so quality and variety go without saying.
Artists are humans. As an artist myself I experience people feeling inferior and somewhat intimidated by artists, but I assure you we are human! This dynamic can be even more stifling as the majority of artists are introverted, so please.. I beg you, engage in conversation with us. You don’t need a degree in art history to talk about art, it’s a visceral human experience that’s actually best described in ordinary conversation. There is no ‘right’ way to react to artwork, in fact once I’ve completed a collection I have to accept it will now take on a different meaning in other people’s eyes. Even though I'm introverted I enjoy good quality conversation, and it's a big compliment when you have an interest in your work.
Me in my studio (above)
Payment options. If you’ve fallen in love with an art piece but don’t have the money to pay on the day, most artists will let you agree to a payment plan. If you plan on buying more than one piece the artist will often apply a discount in that scenario. Please don’t haggle too aggressively, it takes a very long time to attain the skills of a fine artist and it’s an insult to barter to the extreme.
Postage and packaging. If you’re on a day visit away from home, or have your eyes on a larger piece and not equipped to take it home there and then talk to the artist about postage. They will take down your details and arrange postage for you, as they would naturally do this if you purchased from their website. Also remember, large paintings can be removed off the frame, and the canvas rolled into a tube. You just need to find a framer to stretch the canvas, which most high street framers can do for a reasonable price.
Stay in touch. If you’ve purchased an item and struck gold, keep in touch with the artist. They will have new collection releases, and often exclusives if you sign up to their newsletter. Also, should you have any follow up questions on how to display your art piece when it gets home it’s always best to have their details just in case. And if you’re not quite ready to buy a piece there and then, make sure you take their business card and sign up to their newsletter, as it’s the most reliable way to keep updated with them.
Enjoy! Art fairs should be a fun and different way to shop, a way to meet artists and find out more about how and why they create art. The variety and quality of work always delights me, and it’s a great way to feel inspired and support your local businesses.
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