The Art of Collecting




Suzy McGrane-Hop, ISA AM

 

I recently joined the Cedar Rapids Museum of Art’s Collector’s Circle because as someone who has a lifelong passion in art, I wanted to connect with others who shared this passion. At my first official gathering, I listened to a long time collector describe his experiences as a collector. He purchased his first item at the age of 16 and has been adding to his collection ever since. He made the analogy that collecting art was akin to having an incurable disease. He meant that in a good way; his point was that once you begin collecting and it gets in your blood, becomes hard to stop. It got me thinking about reasons why people collect art and tips for new collectors.

My theory has been to buy art because you like it and because it moves you and will enhance your life. Some people buy art for investment with the idea that they can turn around and sell it in a few years, but that is a different blog for another time. If you buy a piece of art that you truly love and can’t live without, you won’t get burned.

What to collect is always a hard question. Do you work towards a cohesive collection or be eclectic? I suppose it depends on your intention. Some people need to collect every piece in a series, some collectors are primarily devoted to a single artist or art movement, and others collect a diverse grouping of artists and styles with the cohesive element being the collector themselves.

Conger Metcalf Boochie

I recommend educating yourself about the pieces you intend to collect and the artist or the time period. Visit galleries, go to museum events, join a collectors circle, and get involved. Galleries and museums have events regularly and it’s a great way to meet other collectors and discover new pieces.

Currently in the gallery we have several items that recently arrived and may pique a collector’s interest. We have an exquisite Conger Metcalf in a beautiful hand gilded frame made by the Guido frame company in Boston, where Conger Metcalf lived. When collecting Conger Metcalf’s work, take into consideration who did the framing, it does make a difference. Guido frames or a frame comparable to Guido style always adds value to the artwork. It is rumored that Conger Metcalf often began with a beautiful frame and made the art to complement it.



Marvin Cone Sketchbook Page


There is also a wonderful Marvin Cone pencil sketch from his haunted doorway series. In this drawing from a sketch page there are four different drawings ranging from a rough sketch to a more complete rendering. It gives the viewer some insight in how Marvin Cone worked through his compositions.

These are two examples of fine art that would be great for beginning a collection or adding to an existing collection. Half the joy of collection is the journey of finding that perfect piece.


Suzy McGrane-Hop, ISA AM is an art and framing consultant at CornerHouse Galley and Frame and an Accredited Fine Art Appraiser

New Things Happening at the CornerHouse - Framing

We like to keep you updated on the latest trends in the framing industry. Since the recession started, framing manufactures have focused more exclusively on value pricing and eco-friendly frames.

Trends in Home Decor

Current color trends in home décor have gone conservative. Beige and especially gray are prominent, with black, white or brown being used for contrast. The neutrals offer a gentle, calm and quiet atmosphere, providing a haven of comfort. With last year’s economy and this year’s uncertainty is this trend any wonder!

For you consumers who find the neutrals boring, frames that coordinate with a new pillow or rug can give your artwork, photo or memorabilia a burst of color. From metallics to multi-colors to multi-cultural motifs—frames can enhance your existing pieces and make you love them again. Choosing the right frame for a new piece of art adds the finishing touch to make it complete.

Value Pricing

Many people are downsizing and staying home more to conserve cash. As a result, people’s flat screen TV’s have become more important than ever. Your TV now becomes décor for your house...pretty much any frame moulding can be used to dress it up!

Due to our manufacturers efforts and our desire to align with current trends, we have affordable new frames that work for kids' room projects, gifts, or just something simple you would like to hang on the wall. We are now stocking these in the gallery.

Speaking of kids, we now offer shadow boxes that have a snap on top for sports jerseys, dance costumes, or that piece of memorabilia that you desire easy access to the item.

Eco-Friendly

Last, CornerHouse Gallery is doing its best to become eco-friendly and sustainability focused. From forest to frame, every step of the way, we offer both sustainable and eco-friendly manufactured frames and mats.

Recently, CornerHouse chose to carry the most eco-friendly product lines from several long-time suppliers. An example is the Larson-Juhl artique matboards and Biltmore and Sorrento collections of frames. The matboards are FSC certified, which means the materials were eco-friendly sourced. Each business in the production process-from the logger to the distributor- must be FSC certified. The Rainforest Alliance works with the FSC to ensure that products do not negatively impact indigenous populations, come from conservation areas, come from genetically modified tress and are not illegally harvested. The framing collections, Biltmore and Sorrento, are both PEFC certified by the world's largest forest certification and organization promoting sustainable forest management.

Additionally, Larson-Juhl has worked hard to restore forest around the world. Since 1991, Larson-Juhl has planted over 325,000 trees.

CornerHouse Gallery presents: John Mominee Show February 26^th 5 - 7pm

Beat the winter Blues with a blast of Color! Join us for a lively, entertaining art opening!

The colorful abstract monoprints of John Mominee and introducing the intellectually intriguing drawings and paintings of Philip Kirk will be featured in a show at CornerHouse Gallery and Frame. An artist reception will be February 26^th from 5-7 pm. The reception will offer food and drink and have live music by Chris Miller.

Wisconsin artist, John Mominee, a full-time painter and printmaker since 1994, has been producing colorful abstract monotypes for over 25 years. To him, creating an abstract work of art is like playing jazz; allowing print after print to evolve from a single idea that is altered in each new work. Using unusual color combinations, he purposefully makes "discords" harmonious.

John Mominee creates these monotypes by brushing oil-based etching inks, paint sticks and litho crayons onto large pieces of Plexiglas, which he then runs through an etching press, transferring the image from the plate onto a piece of D’Arches paper. In many ways, John Mominee is a missing link in the transition from painting to printmaking and back again. “I’m trying for purity in form and idea,” says Mominee. Working with the monotype allows Mominee to merge characteristics unique to printmaking and painting, thus creating art impossible to achieve any other way. Mominee adds lines and layers of color enhancing each print; the resulting works are rich in color and in visual complexity.

Iowa City artist, Philip Kirk, has been an artist since he was a child. In high school, he discovered the artwork of Paul Klee and Albrecht Durer and they continue to be primary influences on his work. He attended the University of Iowa and studied printmaking, spending most of his time in the print shop. Kirk works in various media, such as watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink. “The work is derived from a place inside my head (not a big head, but one with a lot of stuff inside), which is drawn out and made visible, peculiar to the region and unbound by the laws of nature. I always like to try new things so there is a lot of variety in my imagery and materials.”

John Mominee and Philip Kirk are represented by CornerHouse Gallery and Frame located at 2753 First Ave SE Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Gallery Hours are Tuesday through Friday 10 am – 5:30 pm and Saturdays 10 am – 4 pm. Visit our website at www.cornerhousegallery.com. The show continues through April 15.