So what do you think the recession is or has done to the art market?  I guess most of you would say it has greatly diminished the opportunities, but according to the Wall Street Journal that doesn't seem to be the case.  In fact the Journal says that the recession has been a boost to local arts communities across the country.  The rationale is that art collectors who generally buy international art and travel to international art shows have turned their attention to local and regional artists and arts events.

Why is this good news?  It means that now is the time to get out of your studio and get yourself out on the streets.  This is the time when exposure of any kind can catch the eye of someone who usually wouldn't give a local artist the time of day.  Art collectors are finding that buying local is the equivalent to Americans buying an American made car.  Supporting artists at the local level boosts the artist, the economy and the locale.  It gives greater credibility to the local arts community no matter where you live in the country.

Connection is the key.  The article makes reference to the fact that when collectors buy local they often have a more personal connection to the art and the artist.  This is a great way to develop a collector base and create a market previously untapped.  You have the opportunity to meet new people and getting the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval from one collector will often bring other collectors out of the woodwork and to your studio.  This means that you may have to brush up on your social skills, but don't you think it's worth it?

Take advantage of the shift from global art purchases to local art purchases.  One art collector shared another advantage to buying local, "Los Angeles collector Lenore Schorr says buying at a local gallery also often means saving on 'pain-in-the-neck costs' like insurance and shipping", once again offering value along with beauty.  Let's face it collectors are eventually looking on a return on their investment and anything that cuts their costs is a boost to the possibility of a purchase.

What will you do today to begin cultivating your local opportunities for exhibition?  How will you use the current global economic situation as an opportunity instead of an excuse and a burden?  Now's the time...the Journal said so!