Cultural spaces have been some of our most missed locales this past year. Philadelphia is home to a diverse collection of world renowned artists and museums – providing unlimited inspiration for our team as we design homes for clients seeking artful, colorful and distinct spaces. We are so excited to get back to them!
As the period of being unable to browse museums, attend gallery openings and shop the creations of local artists in person comes to a close, we wanted to seize this opportunity to share some of our favorite local sources for curating the perfect art collection.
If you’re seeking pieces to elevate a growing collection, Merritt Gallery is our go-to. Representing world-renowned artists such as Hunt Slonem, Dale Chihuly and Anke, Merritt specializes in pieces that pack a PUNCH!
Featuring a variety of works including photography, sculpture, abstract and figurative pieces, you’re sure to find a piece you’ll adore for years to come. They are regularly rotating the works on display with items from their sister galleries in Maryland, so be sure to stop by often.
Founded by a fellow Anthropologie alum, LAA Art Collective is a curated and contemporary consortium of East Coast based artists. Located in Wayne, PA, the collective has a physical presence inside the Main Line Co-Op. There, owner Lauren Ann Addis shares a selection of gorgeous works from numerous artists with her loyal and growing clientele. Her roster of artists employs a variety of mediums and techniques including oil paintings, hand-sculpted vessels, fibre works, line drawings and more.
Street fairs and open-air markets can also be excellent places to discover burgeoning artists. Clover Markets will be resuming along the Main Line this Fall, and Philly-based Art Star is hosting virtual bazaars on their website until they’re ready to return with their roving roster of year-round markets in late-2021.
When it comes to curating your own diverse and storied collection, we recommend starting small. Art is a wonderful investment and selecting smaller work is the perfect gateway for new collectors to get their start. Many people struggle with determining whether or not art is “good”; it’s in our opinion that beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. If it feels special to you now, it will become a beloved piece you can pass on to future generations.
Be sure to consider what colors and textures you want to draw out from the surrounding furnishings and decor when selecting art for a specific room in your home. An artful mix is best! Don’t forget to complete your selection with a gorgeous frame. It’s the perfect way to elevate your cherished find to a timeless masterpiece.