Gifts of Art for the Holidays
Still struggling for that last-minute gift for that impossible-to-shop for person? There's a plethora of ideas if you change perspectives from the usual scarves and tchotchkes (the lovely shop on Elmwood excluded, of course). May I recommend the gift of art this holiday?
What began my thoughts on this was an annoucement by Artsphere Studio & Gallery is offering, as they always do, work by local artists in all media through 1/7/07. Of course, all local galleries also tend to offer at least a few works by local artists, but what you may not realize is that good pieces of fine art can be had for any price range, even less than $100. If you've been hesitating getting into collecting actual art, after some personal experiences with it recently, looking at art as a purchase immediately changed the way I perceived each work. It's one thing to enjoy a painting or sculpture for a brief moment in a gallery, under perfect lighting conditions, when your mind is in "gallery mode".
Living with fine art is something else. Whether your selection is driven by name and investment value or the mood a piece invokes when you see it, there are works within reach that can enhance your life for years to come. Having a piece in your home and experiencing it in various conditions that you could never have in a gallery make for a much more intimate experience, one where you see more nuance over time than you could through any other method. Plus, while some may consider choosing art for another as intimate as buying lingerie, it also shows a personal side that few other presents can. So, if you haven't explored any of the many local galleries on Hertel or in the Allentown area, consider it. I promise you'll be pleasantly surprised.
But don't stop at fine art. New World Records is the cornerstone for the local bands we enjoy live all year, and studio recordings again give an entirely new perspective on musicians you've loved for years. Talking Leaves... Books carries not only locally published material (here I'd like to recommend GardenWalk Buffalo as one of the loveliest volumes I've ever seen of Buffalo in pictures and dvd), but material about making our city a better place to live. The Irish Classical Theater is offering a mini-pack subscription of tickets to three shows at very affordable prices, and the Buffalo Philharmonic and the Albright-Knox can accomodate memberships or even gift certificates for the culturally attuned in your life. The Zoo or The Buffalo Museum of Science are other good examples of places offering memberships which would be a lovely, thoughtful present for any family.
We are incredibly blessed with native talent and creativity in this city, in every type of art. Giving fine art of any kind benefits the receiver and is the best way to continue directly supporting the efforts of of this vital element of our community.
Artsphere Studio & Gallery, 466 Amherst Street, Buffalo, 14207, 716.876.7188 or 716.510.4007. Hours: Thurs. & Fri. 12-5 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-3 p.m., or by appointment.
Artsphere Gallery in the heart of downtown Blackrock, and in the middle of the Grant Amherst Business Association, is a Buffalo Treasure. The Gallery Director, Doreen runs a great place. Fabulous selection of Artists. It is a MUST for art lovers.