The Art of Dealing Art

Seeking Balance in a Challenging Year

2020 has been a year none of us could have anticipated. A global pandemic. Business shutdowns. Working and schooling at home. A surreal presidential election. Through it all a we suffered a lack of coherent information and leadership which would allow us to feel confident there was light at the end of the tunnel. Even the vaccines have been politicized. As we get ready to say good-bye to 2020, I’m reflecting on what seems like a surreal dream. And one of the only concrete truths I can come up with is the ability of art to help me feel grounded, inspired, and connected to the human spirit.

Francis Criss painting – *Winter Morning*.

The Art of Buying Art

In a previous post I discussed three core elements of how someone can start an art collection. In this post, I’d like to talk dollars and sense. I’ve broken down the basics into the following streamlined principles of art collecting: Three do’s & don’ts, and three golden rules. It’s easy to spend money on art. I’d hoping to help guide you to spending money on art wisely.

The Do’s & Don’ts:

Do buy what you love
Don’t buy to impress or to be an art investor
Do consider inherent value when buying

Centre Pompidou’s and Dont’s

Reminiscing about a fantastic visit in Summer 2019 to one of Paris’ great (and controversial) museums leads to one suggestion – Do go if you can! Plus one don’t –Don’t plan on going from 2023 – 2026 when Centre George Pompidou will be closed for a three-year, quarter of a billion dollar renovation.

If you’d like some good background information, as well as to get up to speed on the history and controversy of the Centre, read this. During my first ever trip to Paris last summer, the Pompidou was high on my list. And it didn’t disappoint. On top of the world class exhibitions and holdings, there is a great rooftop restaurant with some of the best view of Paris I found during my entire stay.Continue reading “Centre Pompidou’s and Dont’s”

Collector Series – Tips for Novice Collectors

Whether you’re an aspiring collector who has yet to purchase your first work of art, or a seasoned collector interested in reminders about the core principles of collecting fine art, our Collector Series: Tips for Novice Collectors videos will be worth your while. Our first video, “Collecting 101” covers the foundational basics of collecting art utilizing three tips.

Tip #1: At its very core, collecting art is about finding your passion. Learning what sort of art makes you feel tingly? What sort of art you find yourself dreaming about. Every collector has a voice inside which will help navigate them to the collection meant for them. This instinct, internal tuning fork, “gut feeling” – call it what you wish – is an inner curator advising you to collect the art which will make your heart sing.Continue reading “Collector Series – Tips for Novice Collectors”

Dartmouth’s Hood Museum 2.0

Hood Art Museum at Dartmouth. — **Thank you, Charlie Hood ’51**

Dartmouth College…Founded in 1767.

Vintage postcard of Dartmouth Hall at Dartmouth College.

Lots of Big Green blood runs in our family. Starting with my father and gallery founder Joe Caldwell (Class of 1951), myself (’85) and my younger sister (’89). Charlie Hood, of Hood Dairy distinction, was a friend and classmate of Joe’s…and he donated the original Hood Museum of Art which opened Fall 1985. Here’s a pic of what I’ll call Hood 1.0…

Image of the original Hood Museum at Dartmouth College in 1985.

Continue reading “Dartmouth’s Hood Museum 2.0”

The Search for America – A Trip West

Painting from National Museum of Wildlife Art. — **Experiencing the Awe-Inspiring Majesty**

For three weeks this past June and July, I traveled with my family throughout the American West. From the Great Plains to Yellowstone, the Tetons to Southwest Utah, the Grand Canyon to New Mexico, we searched for the wide open spaces, breathtaking unspoiled beauty, star filled skies…and the sense of awe, purpose and hope which natural beauty can instill in one’s psyche and soul. The following photo sample platter are some of my favorite selections and collages of the more than 2,500 images and movies I took during our 23 day sojourn. Every mile was memorable…Continue reading “The Search for America – A Trip West”

Prague – Summer 2018! Veletržní palác: A Národní Galerie Dream…

Getting ready to enter the National Gallery of Prague in 2018. — About to enter a repurposed Cold War relic…

This sums up an incredible building filled with art, and nearly devoid of people: “At the time of its construction, the Fair Trade Palace (completed in 1928), was the largest building of its kind in the world…and the first Functionalist building in Prague. Today it serves the needs of the National Gallery. A unique collection of Czech and international modern and contemporary art, Continue reading “Prague – Summer 2018! Veletržní palác: A Národní Galerie Dream…”

Oh my? Omi! Social Distance on 300 Acres…

Can going outside help us stay sane inside? Methinks yes! But where? Within fifteen minutes of Hudson there just happens to be an incredible spot for a healthy stretch of the legs, and satiation of the art hungry mind: Art Omi in Ghent, NY.

Grounds of Art Omi with Deer sculpture by Tony Tasset..

Art Omi building for exhibits and openings.

These uncertain times have made where we can go and what we can do something that must be carefully considered. Thankfully, when it comes to the great outdoors, a place like Art Omi offers a welcome respite from these unprecedented challenges. A month ago, I spent a lovely Spring day at an arts organization who’s mission (from their website) is: “Art Omi believes that exposure to internationally diverse creative voices fosters tolerance and respect, raises awareness, inspires innovation, and ignites change. By forming community with creative expression as its common denominator, Art Omi creates a sanctuary for the artistic community and the public to affirm the transformative quality of art. Continue reading “Oh my? Omi! Social Distance on 300 Acres…”

Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute

Our gallery has enjoyed a long history with the Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute in Utica, NY. We’re fortunate to have this gem of a museum, research center, and art school in our own backyard. The “Munstitute” as it’s affectionately called, houses one of the stealthiest and underrated collections of important art in America. Need to view a 16′ wide Jackson Pollock from his most important period? Check! Need to view Thomas Cole’s original “Voyage of Life” series? Check!

**Exterior of Philip Johnson’s first museum.** Photo: Jay Caldwell

Continue reading “Munson Williams Proctor Arts Institute”