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For acquiring minds
Buying a work of art is like buying a piece of the artist, says one couple who offer tips to those attending the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts this weekend.
By BRANDY STARK
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 28, 2002
With the arrival of the 2002 Gasparilla Festival of the Arts this weekend, Tampa faces an another invasion, this time by artists from across the nation who are competing for more than $60,000 in prizes.
Among those attending will be local art patrons Perry and Lisa Everett. The couple have 140 works in their private collection and are raising three budding artists: sons Matt, 15, Will, 12, and Ian, 10.
This will be the Everetts' 10th Gasparilla Festival of the Arts, and they offer their suggestions on the best ways to view and buy there.
The show stretches from Kennedy Boulevard to Polk Street in downtown Tampa. How do you navigate such a large show to make sure you see it all?
Lisa: We enter the show near where we park. Over the years, we've become very systematic, going up one side then back down the other. We'll stop at the booths that really capture our attention, and if we like the art enough, we'll come back later and take a closer look.
Are there any basic dos and don'ts when attending an outdoor festival?
Lisa: If a person buys one of the artist's major works and prizes haven't been awarded yet, be willing to leave the piece until after the judging. Don't tell the artist, "We'll be back," as it can be disheartening if you don't return, or distracting if there are a lot of other people around. Don't negotiate on the price, and never ask an artist to hold something for you.
More than 300 artists from across the nation are attending this show. What advice would you give them to improve the festival experience?
Perry: A good artist is like a good waiter: They're present when you need them. Don't distract potential customers by hovering over them. Any collector buying at a show is really buying a piece of the artist. To understand the work, they need to understand you. Let your audience know a little about yourself. Artists need to be able to answer questions and engage with customers.
Also, pay attention to the business details. Know the sales tax. Many people commute to see the Gasparilla Festival of the Arts. If you don't know the sales tax, it's doubtful they will, either.
Lisa: Remember that even if someone does not buy now, they may in the future. Sometimes we see an artist's works four or five times before we buy a piece.
What do you look for when you buy art?
Perry: We go for things that catch the eye. The items should be well-made, well-crafted, well-thought-out and well-executed. It personally drives me nuts to see flaws. Unless it is designed to be ephemeral art, work should be designed to be durable. A good artist is a good craftsman.
What determines if a work is reasonably priced? How do you know how much to pay for a piece of art?
Perry: It can be hard to tell sometimes. If you think it is good and it is going to hold your interest, then it is worth buying.
Lisa: Right. Buy art because it moves you and it creates an emotional response. Don't buy it because it is going to look really great in a certain room. Trust your instincts. You don't have to buy it all the first time you see it.
Perry: Once we got over our initial trepidation of "Gee, is this a good piece or not, and do I want to buy this?" buying art became addictive.
Do you have advice for Gasparilla Show attendees?
Perry: If at all possible, go with someone who has gone before. Don't hesitate to ask questions. Ask the artist what his favorite piece is. You can learn a lot that way. Read about people, artists and art history. Educate yourself. The more you learn about it, the more you love it. . . . Oh, and don't wear a hat. It's usually windy.
Lisa: And in the legendary words of (retired St. Petersburg Times art critic) Mary Ann Marger: "Wear comfortable shoes, drink lots of water and don't bring your dog!"
Preview
The 2002 Gasparilla Festival of the Arts will be in downtown Tampa, on Ashley Drive and in Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free. Parking is available in nearby garages, lots and on streets. Some parking areas may charge fees. No pets, alcohol, skateboards, roller skates or bicycles allowed. For more information, call (813) 876-1747 or check www.gasparilla-arts.com.
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