Buying art as a holiday present is like decorating two trees with one garland: You gift something uniquely thoughtful and personal and get to invest in the local art economy.
And yes, you can buy art even if you’re not wealthy. Read on below for more tips on how to purchase local art, whether you want to spend $25 or $2,500.
Just ask
Local artists want you to know: Please reach out! Email artists you like directly or send them a message on social media to ask if they have any work that fits your budget (if they work with a gallery, they’ll refer you to them). Consider asking if they’re open to a studio visit, which is an excellent way to see a variety of pieces in person and learn more about the artist and their work.
You can also contact galleries directly. These so-called “white boxes” can feel intimidating, but most gallerists would be delighted to get an email or chat in person, and they’ll often find a way to work with your budget. Even if the art on the walls seems too expensive, many galleries represent a mix of established and emerging artists, meaning there’s often a wide range of prices.
Another thing you can ask for at galleries is a (zero-interest) payment plan. “That’s how I bought my first painting,” said Dawna Holloway, who founded Georgetown’s studio e gallery. “It took months and I was beyond excited the day I made my final payment and picked it up.”
Last but not least, commissions don’t have to be wildly expensive. Local artist Ariane Callender plans to make custom digital art for print-at-home holiday cards this season. Consider asking your favorite artist if they offer a similar service or digital work in general, she said. “Doesn’t hurt to reach out and ask!”
Keep it local
Think of your neighborhood as a launchpad. Your nabe’s art walk — a monthly event during which galleries and stores stay open so people can hop from venue to venue — is a great place to start, said artist Carolyn Hitt of Blue Cone Studios, an artist coalition based on Capitol Hill. “If folks get out to their neighborhood or even venture to other neighborhood art walks, they can discover a whole world of artists,” Hitt said.
There are more than a dozen art walks in the city, ranging from Ballard to West Seattle. (Seattle’s Office of Arts and Culture has a handy list on its website). If you are curious about art venues near you, check out this map of local galleries and art institutions. Or look up while sipping that macchiato: Your favorite coffee shop likely has affordable art for sale up on the walls. And I’d be remiss in not mentioning you can learn about new art spaces and local exhibits in these pages, too.
Find a one-stop shop
If you prefer your holiday shopping to take up a minimal amount of head space and time, consider attending one of the many holiday art markets popping up across the region in November and December.
There are also a variety of local stores that offer locally made art and design wares year-round, including Arté Noir in the Central District, which showcases and sells work by Black artists; the Frye Museum’s stylish gift shop; the design-centric Fruit Super; and quirky art shops Ghost Gallery and Push/Pull. Many art studio buildings, like Inscape or Equinox, also host studio sales and open houses this time of year.
Branch out
If you fall in love with a piece that’s out of your price range, don’t panic: Smaller works by the same artists may be available — and it’s totally OK to ask them about it. Also, remember art isn’t just painting: Some artists also sell drawings, sketches, prints, cards or even stickers at lower price points. Works on paper, like prints and collages, are often more affordable. Many artists make small sculptures, ceramics, inventive jewelry, fiber art or other handmade treasures.
Consider a gift card
Not ready to take the plunge? Opt for a gift card. Perhaps for a gallery that offers art rentals, said local curator Jeremy Buben. “For $100, you can rent an artwork at SAM Gallery [the art sales and rental gallery of the Seattle Art Museum] for three months,” he said. “Perhaps this is the nudge your friends need to start getting excited about art; plus, it’ll get them involved in picking something out to temporarily live with.”
It’s not quite a gift card — though you could consider this an art voucher — but another fun option is purchasing a concert, theater or dance performance ticket. Perhaps volunteer yourself as a +1, or buy two so they can pick who to bring. If you want to up the ante, why not treat them to dinner beforehand or buy a season pass or subscription? Lastly, donating to an arts organization in someone else’s name is a thoughtful and stylish gesture.
Some things to consider
Now you know where to go and what to do. But how about the art itself?
“Don’t just buy something you like,” said Janet Galore, a local artist and co-owner of Beacon Hill art space The Grocery Studios. “If you’re not sure what they might like, go out to an art walk together, or to some galleries or museums, talk about art, talk to the people in those spaces to learn about the art together.”
If that’s not possible before the holiday deadline, “think about what your person likes,” said artist Liz St.Andre. Are they into gardening, plants or love a particular flower or animal? Is there a place, landscape or landmark that has a shared meaning for the two of you?
A few more questions to ask yourself: Consider their values. Do they care about, say, environmental protection? Perhaps there’s an artwork with that theme. Is their interior or clothing style funky and fun or toned-down beige? Purchase something that matches their style. Have they purchased art before? Opt for another piece by the same artist or something similar. Do you know where the work will likely end up? Will the art you have in mind clash with their wine-red walls?
Lastly, once the gift is in the bag, offer information about the artist, the story or techniques behind the artwork and the reasons for choosing this gift. “Explaining to your person what you know or like about the art and/or artist and how the art was made is part of the fun,” St.Andre said.
“Here’s where things can go to a whole new level,” she added. “The best thing is when a gift of art inspires curiosity and gets someone wondering, ‘How did they do that?’ and ‘I wonder if I might be able to make something like that too.’ What if the gift you give inspires someone so much that they get curious about creating art themselves? Who knows, maybe they’ll sign up for a watercolor workshop after being inspired by the one you gave them. Talk about a gift that keeps on giving.”
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This coverage is partially underwritten by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust. The Seattle Times maintains editorial control over this and all its coverage.
