Welcome to our newsletter. This is where we will share art that has captured our attention and provide useful tips in navigating the art world. We founded Keating Art Advisory to help individual and institutional clients acquire and integrate contemporary art into personal spaces. Our mission is to support our clients in their goal of creating visually personalized environments through art. We are driven by a belief that art is much more than decoration – it's a transformative force that brings your physical spaces to life. 

The Fall Art Season

Every September, the art market starts to bustle again. The galleries start announcing their fall shows and the art fairs list their roster of participating galleries. While exciting to think about going to gallery openings and art fairs, we recognize that the whole process can be a bit intimidating. We wanted to pass along a few tips and success stories from our experiences.

Gallery Openings

Galleries open their doors again after August vacation and introduce new artwork to the world. It is so much fun to see the gallery newsletters pour into inboxes with exciting new pieces and invitations to opening receptions. There are a few things you may want to know before you go to an opening show.

Here are few things we’ve learned along the way:

• Review the work ahead of time and read the full press release on the artist and the show

• The best time to actually see the work is NOT at the reception. The event is usually jammed with people and hard to see the pieces. Go later. The show will be up for at least 6 weeks.

• It’s easier to introduce yourself to the gallery staff and get a personalized tour of the work without throngs of people in the space.

• If you like the artist’s work, continue to follow their career.

Matthew Brandt, Yuba Lake, UT 3, C-print 29 x 40” Photo: Kate Thompson

I learned about Matthew Brandt’s work by following the Yossi Milo Gallery, which was at the forefront of showcasing work by photo-based artists pushing the boundaries of process, a personal interest of mine. When I received a gallery announcement and opening for a new show by Brandt, instead of attending the opening, I made an appointment at the gallery to see the work. Meeting the gallery owner and discussing the work opened up a larger conversation about the artist and a wider variety of available work. I still follow the gallery and the artist.

Art Fairs

Timed to the beginning of the Fall art season, The Armory Show in New York is September 5-7th. The show at the Javits Center focuses on contemporary artwork in the mid to high end market. Art on Paper is another fair happening in New York at the same time. As the name suggests, this mid-size fair focuses on works made with paper - prints, photography and sculpture. We’ll be heading to both fairs.

Here are a few tips on attending fairs that we’ve learned along the way:

• Research the galleries at the show before you go. Galleries typically have a focus and if you like one of the artists on their roster, you’ll generally like others. Use the time to introduce yourself to the staff and sign up for the newsletter of the galleries you like.

• Don’t feel pressure to buy at a fair. Use it as an opportunity to discover new works and galleries. Take notes along the way.

• Book sections of fairs are generally really great. Collecting a book by an artist you like is a great way to educate yourself about the artist. The fairs generally have hard to locate copies of monographs.

• Definitely wear comfortable shoes!

Stephane Couturier Villa Eileen Gray #13 C-print 43 x37" Photo: Kate Thompson

I discovered Stephane Couturier's work while attending Paris Photo. I actually did not see this particular piece at the show; instead, I had a conversation with the staff at Galerie Christophe Gaillard to learn more about the artist. Upon returning home and having further discussions with the gallery, I found the particular piece that spoke to me and worked in my space.

Follow along on our upcoming gallery and fair exploration through IG and subscribe to our newsletter.

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