Judy Arrigotti, painter and gourd artist, is founder and president of the El Dorado Hills Arts Association, which today includes 160 artists as members. The EDHAA is made up of painters, sculptors, illustrators, photographers, mixed media artists, and others. With a mission to enhance the quality of life (through art) in El Dorado Hills and surrounding communities, the association encourages the growth of visual arts by coordinating and promoting projects and events, and by supporting its member artists. The association holds an annual studio tour (May), membership shows, gallery exhibits (at Atrium in Town Center, Gallery at Natoma 48, for example, and Teaspoon boba shop), the Fine Arts Festival (Oct. 10 this year, at EDH Library), and the Saturday makers market in Town Center. For this issue, we tapped Arrigotti for some insight about buying art—because what’s on and within the walls of your house reflects your style in a most individual way.
What should someone consider when contemplating adding local art to their home?
With all the new construction in our area, EDHAA shows and events are very popular. We often have guests and potential customers shopping for a particular space in their home. Galleries, art shows, and events provide the opportunity to see a variety of art (2D and 3D) in one place, from abstract to realistic and everything in between. First and foremost, the art should speak to them. Everyone has their own preferences and no matter the art’s particular shape, size, or color, it should instill a special feeling for the potential buyer. Meet the artist who creates the art you admire. That way you go home with a piece you love, and you know who created it and why.
What if someone falls in love with a piece, but something makes it challenging (such as size or cost)?
If it’s not the right size or color, ask the artist if they do commissions. If you’re not sure it will fit your space, ask to take it home to try it. Get a card or brochure so you can get in touch with the artist if you go home and then decide you can’t live without it. If a piece is over budget, ask if you can pay in installments. Most artists will work with buyers! They’re flattered you appreciate their art!
What are other ways for people to interact with an artist whose works they admire?
Most serious artists provide opportunities for potential customers to see their body of work online. If you admire a particular piece, chances are you’ll find them on social media and on their website.
What can a potential art customer expect when visiting a studio?
I’ve learned so much from my customers! They usually enter my studio overwhelmed by all my work. They often need time to take it all in. I stay back and let them study my pieces. I can tell immediately if they are more drawn to my 2D paintings or my 3D gourd sculptures. Then, I watch which pieces they linger around. They’re narrowing their search. I step up and introduce myself as the artist. They usually ask where I get my ideas and how long a piece takes. By answering their questions, I’ve broken the ice. I ask them what interests them about the art they’re drawn to. It lets me know a little about them—what they like and why they are drawn to certain pieces. I have portfolios that show images of past work that’s sold. Again, I watch which pieces they study. They’re learning about me, and I’m learning about them. It’s important to let my potential customers know I’m truly interested in them. If they’re struggling with a decision between two pieces, I ask where they live and offer to let them take both pieces home to try them in their environment. Some customers take them home and decide to keep both. Others bring them back because their spouse talks them out of it. If they’re concerned with the price, I suggest they pay on consignment. These strategies have been successful in building lasting relationships with customers who return. When customers buy gourds, I show them how to clean them. When they buy paintings, I show them how to hang them. At any EDHAA shows or events, the artists are ready and willing to answer all questions related to their art. They’re eager to talk about their art—materials they use, what inspires them, the materials and techniques they use, how to hang it or display it.
What’s your background as an artist?
My lifelong interest in art has included teaching children and adults for 20 years. I retired to pursue art full time in 2000. I joined Placerville Arts Association and volunteered to initiate the first art studio tour in El Dorado County. I founded El Dorado Hills Arts Association in 2005 and returned as president four years ago to revitalize the association after COVID. My choice of media is acrylic or oils. I create mostly realistic landscape paintings and “story gourds.” Each gourd provides a three-dimensional canvas. I draw, woodburn, and carve to tell my stories, each with a beginning, middle, and end.
Any special events EDHAA is holding in September?
The Sept. 21–Nov. 16 show at Atrium Gallery in Town Center will be themed “Beauty and the Beast.” At the reception (Sept. 26, 5–7 p.m.), you can see the art, meet the artists, and enjoy live music and refreshments.
Anything else you would like to add about EDHAA?
Anyone interested in creating art who wants to join the association ($35 annually) is welcome! Monthly meetings and demonstrations are at EDH Library the third Tuesday every month, 6–8 p.m.
eldoradohillsarts.com
If you’re not sure a piece will fit your space, ask to take it home to try it.
Meet the artist who creates the art you admire. That way you go home with a piece you love, and you know who created it and why.