I've always been a little intrigued by the concept of collecting art. I grew up around it, but my parents were never really "collectors" in the traditional sense. Pieces were passed down from other family members, or created by family members, but my parents rarely went out with the sole intention of buying art.
Lately I've started to read some blogs about local and national art scenes, and soon I want to venture out to some small shows or openings. The one that has kept me riveted, going back through every last archive, is Art Addict. Its the daily musings of Paige West, a founder of a notable web gallery called Mixed Greens.
In both blog and gallery I get a sense that this is anything but your stereotypical dealer/collector. There is a palpable sense that she is attempting to get past all of those unwritten rules of "fine" art - it must be serious, it must be elite, and it must be expensive. On the contrary - a lot of the art (and venues) she talks about are approachable, friendly, and (relatively) affordable!
My education continues...