This year, instead of fighting the maddening crowds at the mall, why not start a new tradition of visiting a local art gallery for some unique works to complete your holiday list? Art comes in all shapes and sizes, styles, mediums, and best of all: price ranges. (Yes, Virginia, there is something
available for those on a tight budget.)
Entering a gallery can be like entering Santa’s workshop as you immerse yourself into an aesthetically rich environment of unique, well crafted and engaging objects to behold. It’s fun to look at, and it’s a fantastic shopping experience! But how do you decide what type of art to get someone? We spoke with several people to help give some tips on selecting a work of art.
Mary Coleman, owner of Gallery on 43rd Street, in Lawrenceville, says that, “you have to know who you are buying for and know them well. When you buy art, it should be based on how it makes you feel, not whether it goes with the couch.” Current artworks include pastels of trees
by Diane Grguras ($400), small studies of Pittsburgh neighborhoods by Ron Donoughe ($200), beautiful nesting bowls by Jill MoodyPellegrino ($185); and glass art by Sam Foreman, including pretty ornaments ($20).
Through December, while browsing items at the Gallery, you can also take in the exhibition of small works by Dylan Critchfield-Sales, painted in Norway where the artist worked in a studio and farm for seven months. They include black and white watercolor portraits, and interiors done in oils ($175 to $1000).
Photographs of Pittsburgh always go over well. Gallery patron Lynne Flavin has given photographs by Scott Davidson to her nephews, and notes that it’s a good way to educate them and influence their taste. She also suggested giving images of Pittsburgh to people who have moved away.
Across town, Michael Hertrich Art+Frame, on the South Side, has two very different painting exhibitions in December, with something to entice the buyer regardless of artistic tastes. The month starts with an exhibit of painting by Nellie Lou Slagle, whose work is abstract and painterly, with gorgeous colors. And Patrick Ruane is exhibiting “Out of the Woods,” including new large oil paintings that bring the viewer into nature, with images of barren trees set against clear open skies or receding into the fog ($400-$4,500).
Ruane notes that giving a painting as a gift is very personal and touching. He has had couples come to his studio together to buy a gift for themselves. He gets enjoyment out of leaving them alone in a studio, lined with paintings, and then seeing how they reach a consensus on what’s right for them.
— Because a gift of art can be personal, chic, and a worthy investment. And add a new true love to your holiday home.
For more information, visit galleryon43rdstreet.com, mhartframe.com
