Libby Pantazis, owner and curator of Canary Gallery, confesses that she once let a work of art she loved pass by without snagging it for her collection, and it haunts her. The broader meaning of art, she declares, is whatever brings joy into your life, whether it’s flowers, books or a painting– and the cost of letting joy slip away is greater than anything monetary. “Buy what you love, and it will bring you happiness for years to come,” she says.
But what about our real-world wallets? While finances are reality, we ought not to let sticker shock keep us from our art-related dreams. Instead, Libby advises to ask the artist or gallerist whether a price is final; you could be pleasantly surprised. For those with tighter budgets, art fairs and markets can be a great place to start since you’re often buying directly from the artist. “Whenever an artist goes on the road, he or she may be more willing to negotiate,” she says.
Dr. Graham Boettcher, director at the Birmingham Museum of Art, says newbie collectors may want to seek camaraderie with others who appreciate art, and becoming involved with the local museum is a good way to start. At the BMA, a group of patrons known as Emerging Collectors learn about different types of art through programs or even visits to private collections. “Groups are a great way to learn about art from artists, curators and fellow collectors,” he adds.
Graham and Libby agree that the information available online is a game-changer, and it’s important to research a piece of art thoroughly, particularly when you plan to buy without seeing it in person. For collectors buying art out of financial rather than personal interest, research is even more necessary – a search online can provide data about the history of the work as well as the artist.
“Unless there's a sense of urgency – such as buying at a live auction or estate sale –it's advisable to take your time and do your research,” Graham remarks.
If you purchase a piece without physically seeing it, recognize that things can be edited,” Libby adds. “ If you can, reach out and go see the piece in person . . . or at least reach out to someone who’s at the gallery and do a video call. I do it multiple times to see what sunlight does to a piece. You get a truer read with sunlight than with LED.”
For art on sale at Canary Gallery, a backstory is available in the form of a one-page document known as a certificate of authenticity. This document includes the title of the art, the date purchased, the amount paid, a photo representation of the work and any awards or shows in the work’s history. It is also signed by the artist. “Purchasers can take it to their insurer, and if they ever sell the art, it can go to the next purchaser,” Libby explains.
A beloved artwork can influence the overall look of the home – and it should, says Libby.
Changing the color of paint on a wall or adding a couple of throw pillows or rugs is far easier than finding one-of-a-kind art you truly love, and many designers who visit Canary Gallery with their clients have said the same. “If you love something, buy it, and you’ll work everything else out,” Libby says. “It might take a while, but that’s what makes it pleasurable – the patience it takes to seek out the right elements and bring them into your home.”
As art collectors themselves, Graham and Libby have cherished pieces inside their homes (though Graham points out he’s careful never to compete with the Museum for acquisitions), and naturally, these have their own stories. For Graham, his doctoral thesis, which he wrote about the German-American painter Emanuel Leutze, was inspired by a special drawing.
“I purchased an original pencil drawing by Leutze from around 1853 entitled Der Landsknecht (German for ‘servant of the country’), depicting mercenary soldiers of the late 15th and 16th centuries,” he says. “Whenever I would experience writer's block, I'd stare at the drawing, hoping for a spark of inspiration. We've been through a lot together!”
In the Pantazis home, a particular piece of art that Libby “absolutely adores” is an untitled snowscape by a Greek painter who shares her last name: Pericles Pantazis. The painting, purchased at an auction by Libby’s husband as a birthday gift, depicts a snowy ridge and a tree without leaves. In the background is a village, “probably Brussels,” suspects Libby. The painting is part of a series of three, and her own is her favorite.
“I’ve been offered money for it every year,” she laughs, “but it brings me so much joy, I will never let it go.”
Upcoming Opportunity to Collect Locally
Alex Kunzman’s art collection started in high school. “My parents would often give me art as birthday or holiday gifts, with most being procured at Magic City Art Connection,” he says. Kunzman’s mother, Eileen, founded the annual art festival in 1984 when Alex was nine. “Find Art” is the festival’s slogan, and opportunities abound for novice and seasoned collectors alike.
Kunzman now serves as MCAC’s co-director and marketing director, managing the annual tasting event, Corks & Chefs: A Taste of Birmingham.
As a lifelong collector, Kunzman finds it virtually impossible to pick favorite pieces. Still, he notes, "The piece that launched my micro collection of works featuring rabbits was a piece by Birmingham artist and 2004 MCAC Emerging Artist Merrilee Challiss.”
At this year’s 41st Annual Magic City Art Connection, running April 26 through 28 at Sloss Furnaces, Kunzman is especially excited to see the works of this year’s Featured Artist, Bryce Speed. “My collection varies, but I tend to lean pretty modern in style. Mark Rothko is one of my favorite artists of all time,” he says.
Kunzman’s advice for those considering an art purchase: “Trust your instincts, buy work that speaks to you, and don’t ever be intimidated.”
“If you love something, buy it, and you’ll work everything else out."
“Whenever I would experience writer's block, I'd stare at the drawing, hoping for a spark of inspiration. We've been through a lot together!”
