A Series of Workshops designed to demystify the art of collecting
Jewelry by Sherri Jaudes. Photo courtesy of the artist
Coffee and Conversations:
The art of collecting is truly child’s play. Boys and girls have no qualms about collecting everything and anything–stones, rocks, stamps, tiny characters, rubber bands–and the only criteria is that they collect what they like. Collecting art, however, can be intimidating to adults who may feel overwhelmed by the process of deciding who, what, when and even why, to collect.
A new series of workshops offered by Laumeier Sculpture Park is designed to demystify the process by offering practical tips and resources along with discussions led by local artists, art dealers and art experts.
“We want to offer our members and visitors the chance to ask questions and engage in discussions with experts, that eliminate any fear or doubt when it comes to collecting art,” said Kara Pollnow, Laumeier’s registrar/collections manager and organizer of the series. “Our goal is to provide enough information so that potential collectors feel confident taking the first step toward starting their own personal collection.”
“The first step for new collectors is getting over the idea that they need to have a background in art in order to “properly” collect,” said Mark Howald, Executive VP at Ivey-Selkirk Auctioneers. “It starts with determining your personal taste, and once that is established, it’s about developing relationships with art dealers and experts who can steer you towards artists that create pieces that fit into your style.”
Three workshops will be offered in the Museum Galleries at Laumeier between March and May, each focusing on one type of art:
Saturday, March 17, 10 am–12 pm The Art of Collecting: Jewelry
Increase your knowledge of 20th century jewelry and gain insight into one of the most collected and wearable forms of artistic expression. Artist Sherri Jaudes will share pieces of her own creation and discuss the fundamentals of metalsmithing and jewelry making, while a local jewelry expert will discuss the history of jewelry design and its market, focusing on the most collected eras from several historical periods to the 1950s.
Saturday, April 21, 10 am–12 pm The Art of Collecting: Prints
Learn the basics of printmaking and publishing with Joan Hall, artist, professor and former Director of Island Press, a research-based printmaking workshop at Washington University. Guests will discuss the ever-changing market and the appeal of printmaking as a highly collectible art form.
Saturday, May 19, 10 am–12 pm The Art of Collecting: Sculpture
As more and more sculpture parks pop up across the country, art collectors are taking a fresh look at an artistic practice that Laumeier has celebrated for 35 years. Marilu Knode, Executive Director at Laumeier Sculpture Park, discusses the history and evolution of sculptural practices in the 20th century. Mark Howald of Ivey-Selkirk Auctioneers will take a closer look at the market trends and why this art form has such a widespread appeal to private and public collectors.
Registration is now open at www.laumeier.org or by calling 314-615-5269.