Art Collectors: Socially Embedded, Not so Publicly Visible.
Over the years I’ve known and been aware of art collectors across
South Carolina, here in Greenville, and other neighboring areas. There
aren’t a lot of them and there never will be enough of them. But they’re
out there.
Art collectors don’t outwardly identify as
collectors, yet they’re active and deeply committed to building
collections. Choosing art might follow a personal worldview, it can be
about things that are emotive, some peculiar intellectual intrigue,
anything meaningful to the collector. Among those that know them, their
art collection is part of their social identity. An art collection can
evolve into a sort of private museum that’s a reflection of the
collector.
Some collections are like archives, put together from a
feeling that certain artists within given areas are overlooked. So,
collecting is like an act of correcting or shoring up the backstory of a
region’s art and artists. It’s a form of stewardship.
I’m talking
about a special kind of art collector. The kind that fills a home with
artwork, and it’s remarkable when you enter such an abode. They have art
everywhere. Paintings, prints and drawings are in their kitchen,
bedroom, dining room and just about every room. Hopefully, not so much
in the bathroom, but you get the idea.
Sometimes it’s hanging
salon style, and sometimes the artworks are not as dense and the pieces
are rotated from a dedicated room in the house where a portion of the
perpetually growing art haul is stored. Private homes become immersive
and fascinating art environments.
These collectors are pretty sophisticated in taste and learning who’s
who. They ask for studio visits, develop friendships with artists and
get to know the dealers and galleries who know who’s who. For them, art
collecting is full-on commitment. It’s a process of discovering people
connections and connections to other connections, and maintaining
autonomy all the while. It’s not trend-driven.
Art collectors are
wonderful, interesting people. You likely won’t find them on Facebook
revealing themselves as art collectors. They’re not an identifiable
segment or group, they’re more like an invisible network, and not
connected in any sort of system.
Through their love of it and a
bit of vetting, these individuals and couples independently sustain huge
portions of contemporary art culture. Such an art collector network is
out there, but you can’t put your finger on it.
I believe relationships matter most.
photo: Wilkinson ART. Art collectors talk.
VISITS|HOURS
The gallery operates in a residential neighborhood of downtown Greenville, offering a casual visit that feels relational. Visitors are welcome to spend time in an approachable setting where conversations happen. What matters is relationships, thoughtful curation, comfort, and accessibility.
Feel free to stop by during regular gallery hours between events.
It's Easy to Visit Convenient curbside parking and no parking fees.
LOCATION: 39 Blair Street, Greenville SC 29607.
IMPORTANT: I occasionally step out on brief errands, a quick call or text an hour ahead or so helps ensure I'm here to welcome you. Tel: 864-235-4483. Come see me, glad to have you visit.
