Part 2 Continued

Meaningful Organizing
You can organize your collection in various ways. Like an essay, it should have a beginning, a middle and an end. Using, as an example, the topic of colors in stone lithography, you can organize your collection under artists, regions, dates, styles, subject matter, and so forth. For instance:

• Artists renowned for stone lithography, which would obviously include master stone lithographer Edna Hibel. This grand dame is profiled in my art, collectibles and gifts website on this page: http://www.cherishcollectibles.com/site/1256072/page/525250
• American stone lithography masters
• 20th century stone lithography
• Stone lithographs with people as the subject
• Renaissance-style stone lithography

Be Your Own Curator
Have a 'script' in mind. Just like for museums, you should aim to present your collection in a logical, meaningful way, so that it educates and enhances appreciation. Because of your diligent 'curatorial' efforts, viewers should bring away a better understanding of the subject.

4) KNOW THE ART MARKET

Great collectors know the marketplace, and the marketplace knows them. Be informed and get plugged into the grapevine! Cultivate a good standing with art retailers and let them know that you wish to be informed when choice art pieces become available. You have to be tuned in to get the best finds!

Do your homework and get out there! I'll tell you how to have an edge in Part 4 of this series, titled "KNOW THE ART MARKET".

5) CARE FOR YOUR ART COLLECTION

I've seen valuable creations ruined because of careless handling and storage. Don't let this happen to your art pieces. Develop a system to protect your collection from hazards such as pollution, humidity, heat and light. More about this subject in Part 5 of this series, titled "ART CONSERVATION 101".

6) PLAN FOR POSTERITY

Your art collection is a valuable legacy. Don't allow it to be decimated when you are no longer around to take care of it. Make detailed plans for its future ownership. Details in Part 6 of this series, titled "LEAVING A LEGACY OF ART".

Have Fun Planning Your Collection!
Building a good collection takes time, but you will derive much satisfaction with each acquisition, knowing that the effort will be worth it. In fact, the process of developing a good collection is often as fun as it is rewarding, as you hunt down choice pieces through gallery visits, research, social events, leads, auctions and various avenues. A whole new world will open up to you!

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Carol Chua is an ex-corporate warrior who is now an entrepreneur, avid writer and co-owner of Cherish Collectibles, an online gallery of art, collectibles and gifts by multiple award-winning American artist Edna Hibel. Visit http://www.cherishcollectibles.com to see this renowned artist's beautiful artwork.