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Art is in the eye of the beholder

By
Home Stager with Shift Property Styling

Artwork is one of the more expensive items in our decorative inventory at Shift due to the costs required to acquire, the safe storage space it often takes up and the need for safe transport to a home staging job (particularly those paintings that have a large sheet of glass on the face of the piece). It is also often difficult to find that 'right piece' that suits the property perfectly, and having art that suits every property to present it ideally is quite expensive.

So I am always on the look out for ways to buy art that suits the jobs I get, that are cost effective to return a decent rent (without being over the top) and are quality originals where possible.

I was talking to the local School of Art recently with is attached to the University here. They advised that students are always keen to sell their work and see it being used in a real application outside their internal exhibitions. The work is incredible and provides an opportunity to decorate projects with very original designs in both digital print, sculpture, painting and ceramics. The best thing is that you are putting back into your local community and providing the artists the opportunity to have their work on display to prospective buyers viewing the property in the when it is for sale.

The School of Art is also happy for me to have flyers on notice boards asking students who wish to sell pieces to contact me. There is no pressure here as you can review their portfolio, see their style and evaluate whether it meets the needs of your inventory.

When you have some down time in the near future, contact your local art school and get on to the invitation list to view upcoming exhibitions and see if you can give something back to your local community artists

Kimberly Wester
Valparaiso, IN
Adam, that is a great idea!  I don't know if we have anything like that around here (our local college is Valparaiso University and they are known for their law school - not very artsy types in that arena) but I will look into what they may offer that I don't know about.  I'm all about shopping locally when I can.
Aug 02, 2007 11:40 AM
Becca Briggs
Rochester, NY

Adam,

What a great idea!  We are a huge college town and have several arts schools here!!!  This would be great. Thanks!!! 

 

Aug 02, 2007 02:17 PM
Cindy Lin
Staged4more School of Home Staging - South San Francisco, CA
Host, The Home Staging Show podcast

And also if you aren't able to purchase it, the students may likely willing to rent it out to you at a fraction of the cost, like art galleries as well.

 

Cheers,

 

Cindy 

Aug 06, 2007 12:07 PM
Stephanie Heron
Dressing Rooms LLC - Scottsdale, AZ
Weeber - Dressing Rooms

G'day Adam!

This is a terrific idea - thanks for sharing.

Stephanie

Aug 06, 2007 12:11 PM
Kathleen Lordbock
Keller Williams Realty Professionals - Baxter, MN
Keller Williams Realty Professionals
My oldest daughter , Ashley Bast, does our artwork and I have even put some of her work in my blogs. Now that is really finding someone close to home.
Aug 06, 2007 12:51 PM
Susan Buchanan
harvey & associates realty - Taos, NM

Great Idea Adam!  I live in an artist community and had thought of approaching the galleries but maybe just running an ad in the paper or posting on the board at the school like you suggested would be perfect!  If I had enough traffic at the house I would ask for "loaners".

 

Susan

Aug 07, 2007 06:51 AM