[photopress:ArtLA_2.jpg,full,centered]

Last night ArtLA held it’s opening gala.

[photopress:ArtLA_32.jpg,full,centered]the paparazzi making sure they got the A-List celebs coming in to look/buy.

When you go to these events, the real treat is being able to see an incredible amount of work, at one time.
Well, you probably shouldn’t do it all at one time, or you’ll miss something.
Guaranteed.
And to just reiterate more reasons for you to go to these fairs:
A: You dig art.
B: You want to sell your art

Now the second part is something to pay attention to, because for all of the fine art photographers out there, you should really know the marketplace. Of course the photo specific shows may give you a more bulls-eye approach.
When you are creating your art, the end goal shouldn’t be which gallery, which museum, what collectors, which publications, etc. will be best for your work.
As long as you are not concerned with sales.

[photopress:ArtLA_6.jpg,full,centered] Is This True??

Sorry, but we’ve had the personal lessons in this. And not many places teach you the art business.
So attend these shows, watch the auction catalogs, ask dealers for advice, support your local galleries, and learn.
The business of art is affected by this economy too, but in a different way.
We have seen the hedge fund folks, who were fond of buying and flipping, driving up the prices, abandon the playing field.
The true collectors seem to be back, and are getting some very good deals to herald their returns. The move seems to have a slight turn towards the conservative with those pieces having an auction history ( i.e. investment potential) moving at a more rapid pace.
True, this makes it tougher for the younger or newer artists entering the market, but as in all things, talent will always carry the day.
And perhaps it’s the fresh voice, at a more affordable price, that can also do well in this environment.

Alright, the best deal we found and one of our favorite new additions to the home? yep, you can get one of these also, as long as you are quick:

[photopress:ArtLA_15.jpg,full,centered]

Artist Bert Rodriguez, created this made on the spot, art piece called “My Most Memorable Feature”, signed, numbered and with a certificate of authenticity, this brilliantly cool molded plastic piece is made on the spot using this molding machine. We are psyched to have #3.

[photopress:ArtLA_18.jpg,full,centered]

If you have been to a zoo in the US or Disneyland or probably any number of theme parks you may have seen this machine.
Usually it is used to create your souvenir of the visit, by molding an animal in plastic and giving it to fresh, warm, and just for you.

[photopress:ArtLA_16.jpg,full,centered]

The gallery representative, Richard Arregui of Fredric Snitzer Gallery, told us about discovering this machine in an old warehouse and had the idea of letting an artist loose on it. After tracking down the folks who could make the very specif type of molds, the die was cast, so to speak.

If you are in town, you HAVE to check this out, and watach the machine go to work.
It is a limited edition of 500 and the cost is only $50.00.
Love this stuff.

And we’ll be back with photo only stuff manyana.