This talk will be a discourse on contemporary art collecting in the West Coast marketplace. The presenter, Erik Hall, will outline established, developing and emerging trends in the value and sales of art, and give insight on how an aspiring collector can establish and develop a well-rounded and fulfilling assemblage of artworks.

The art market worldwide is currently in a period of economic boom, with more and more people adding art to their investment strategy. Indeed, art collecting is not only a captivating and exciting hobby, but also a great way to diversify your investment portfolio. Although art is a highly illiquid asset, it’s extremely well-protected from depreciation and provides a reprieve from the high risk associated with some other strategies. A long history of art patrons, collectors and advocates illustrates the highly satisfying and captivating nature of the tradition; without these collectors, many of humankind’s greatest artistic achievements might not have been possible. In the current market, the two top performing categories are Impressionist and Contemporary Art, with the latter category being available within a wide range of price brackets. Collecting is a wonderful way to bring art into your life even if you yourself are not an artist. It’s a contemplative, sophisticated, and pleasurable strategy that can round out your investment portfolio in tandem with angel investing or any other form of finance allocation.

Art investing is not for the short-sighted, but it is a delightful practice when carried out with finesse and attention. Erik, a contemporary art dealer with fifteen years of experience in the West Coast marketplace, will deliver the advice an aspiring collector needs to buy wisely and cultivate a collection that will develop throughout their lifetime. Since art is a long-term investment, meant to grow with your own tastes, experiences, and character, it’s important to have an attitude of patience and passion when buying works of art for your collection. When starting a collection, background in art is not necessary; appreciation of style and willingness to learn are. We’ll examine the best ways to get started and discuss the ins and outs of maintaining, insuring and displaying your growing art collection.