Two artists who have artworks on SavvyCollector.com were represented in this 25 artist exhibition: Rick Bartow as well as Zarco Guerrero
I was interested to see many of the works exhibited were available for purchase. In a museum setting, this used to be unheard of, but as more institutions are short of funding . . .
For example, the Phoenix Art Museum hosts the Cowboy Artists of America Exhibition/ Sale each year in October. Competition for some items is so intense you can put your name in a box stationed in front of a drawing, painting or sculpture and IF your name is drawn, you can be the buyer. Little known secret: in the old days some highly entrepreneurial individuals put their names in boxes in order to have the opportunity to resell the item for which their name was drawn for a modest profit. Also, some financially hefty buyers had their employees submit their names to boxes of the most coveted items, in order to increase their chances. To attend opening night, a ticket to attend might cost $200, hence the “financially hefty” comment.
Was privileged to meet James Luna at the Mesa Arts Center opening. Mr. Luna was given a room to display photographs and a flat screen presentation referencing his legend work as a psychologically astute installationist.
A generous room was allocated to the highly sophisticated paintings by Mario Martinez. Detection of the artist’s development was easily experienced. A price list for available paintings underscored the degree of recognition Martinez has received to date.
Three (3) substantial art exhibits all in downtown Mesa, a city choosing to emphasize the arts, enhancing the city’s appeal in my eyes.
Corinne Cain of www.SavvyCollector.com