Now that Covid-19 restrictions are lifting and people are beginning to travel again, we thought we could share with you a few quick tips on how to buy art when you’re on the road.
As you plan your trip, think about the art piece (or pieces) you’re hoping to find in your travels and do some research on where you might find what you’re looking for. Also, consider how you will get it home. Allow for the possibility of bringing your piece back with you. If you will be flying, pack an extra bag and carry your piece with you on the plane. If you’re driving, leave some extra space in the car. If you don’t plan for your art, you may have to pay for shipping or have to settle for a smaller piece.
No matter where you’re traveling, it is likely that you’ll be able to find souvenir type pieces near the tourist areas. These pieces are often more quickly done and not very expensive--more of a craft item. This does not mean that you won’t find extremely well done and authentic pieces among them. Amazing craftsmen and artists are everywhere.
If you want to invest in a more quality piece, research reputable galleries that carry artists that interest you. This way, no matter what you’re looking for or what your budget is, you’ll know where to look and won’t have to spend your vacation time hunting around.
A few quick tips:
-If you fall in love with a piece at an art market or fair, go ahead and buy it. It’s likely inexpensive and will likely be purchased by someone else if you don’t take advantage of finding it first.
-Art stirs memories. Choose a piece of art indicative of the area you’re visiting, and each time you look at it you will rememberyour time there.
-You’ll probably want a piece from your favorite stop in your travels but consider purchasing something on your last stop so that you don’t have to travel with it and risk damaging it.
Once your dream art souvenir is acquired, take some time to pack it securely. Use that extra bag you brought along to pack your clothes in and maybe wrap your piece in some other garments and nest it safely in your hard side suitcase. You can tuck small, 2-D pieces between pieces of cardboard or inside a sketchbook. Larger pieces on paper or even canvas can be rolled into cardboard tubes and become one of your carry-ons. I’ve done all of the above, and all worked out great.
If your piece is large and/or expensive, consider shipping itinstead of checking it. That way it will arrive safely to its new home.