Last month, we wrapped up a really fun auction of small artworks on Peggy in collaboration with NYC gallery, Pablo’s Birthday, with bids starting at $50, and most selling for far more. It was great to see so many people participating (and in many cases, competing) to take home a little work. This had me thinking about pricepoint — often time price is the biggest barrier to entry for purchasing art — but sometimes that is also misconstrued… Often, by the time you frame that poster, it costs just as much as a modestly sized painting by an emerging artist!
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🌊 Deep Dive: Art Pricing vs. Affordability
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to understand lower price points = more art buyers. In a world of Amazon Prime, Black Friday/Cyber Monday, next-day delivery and mass production, we can’t help but be used to getting things for cheap, quickly.
When it comes to art, this isn’t the case. There is something to be said about why art cannot compete with Amazon (they tried to sell art, and were met not only with hilarious comments, but not much success). Artworks are coveted and special because they are unique, and there are humans, effort, and specialized materials that make them. As a result of this, and other reasons, art is almost instantly written off as unattainable.
HOWEVER — I promise, you really can find some affordable art out there, especially if you are willing to start small-scale. (I promise you don’t have to buy just one huge piece to fill that wall over the couch!)
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In thinking through the success of the post-card auction and in the spirit of creating a few more opportunities to purchase art in 2023 at an affordable price point at Peggy, we launched our Little Gems auction, just in time for the holidays. The concept is that when you can offer a work at an attainable price point (starting at $100 — the auction is live until Dec 5th @ 6 PM), people can start their art-buying journey.
To complement the auction, I’ve been hosting live conversations with a number of the participating artists on Peggy’s Instagram. It has been so incredibly fun to learn more about each unique process, and all the work and thought that goes into the pieces and really makes spending $100 on one of the works a no-brainer.
This auction is just one of the many opportunities that crop up to get original artwork into more homes and create new collectors. I know I always have my eye out for similar initiatives and will be sure to keep sharing because at the end of the day, original artwork by real humans is always worth it!
🔥 Trending
Art Basel Miami is next week! Can’t really believe it is that time of year again… I won’t be attending this year but keeping my eye out for some great works by old favorites and hoping for some new discoveries. Let me know if you see anything great!
Affordable art on Peggy — if you skimmed over the above, check out Little Gems here. The works will be available for bidding (starting at $100) until Tuesday, Dec 5th @ 6 PM EST.
💸 Advisory Picks
Highlights from Miami previews so far…
UNTITILED — Latchkey is bringing Brianna Bass’ colorful abstractions to Untitled.
NADA — Charles Moffett has some great examples from most of their awesome program, including some great works by newsletter subscriber favorite, Keiran Brennan Hinton.
NADA — Shelter’s booth featuring Jaqueline Cedar is pretty fun and affordable.
NADA — Rebecca Camacho Presents is bringing a cheeky Anne Buckwalter 👀
Art Basel — Phillip Martin has some vibrant Muzae Sesay’s.
MANY MORE!! Message me and we can chat!
👋 Parting Words…
If you are in Miami for the fairs — enjoy the sun, in the meantime, I’ll be staying cozy with my phone and emails.
Until next time…
XX, B