Above: Owners of Samuel Owen Gallery, Lee and Cindy Milazzo
Investing in a significant work of art for a home or office can be exhilarating—or daunting, especially for first-time buyers. We asked Samuel Owen gallery owners Lee and Cindy Milazzo for some insight on what to consider before you buy.
382 Greenwich Ave., 203-422-6500; samuelowen.com
DEFINE WHAT PLEASES YOU
Do you gravitate toward traditional media like oil and acrylic? Inventive mixed-media of contemporary art? Formal imagery like landscapes or still lifes? “Remain inquisitive and know that your point of view can change with time,” says Cindy.
MAKE FRIENDS
Establish a relationship with a gallery where you feel comfortable enough to ask any—and all—questions. “You’ll be establishing a long-term relationship with the gallery,” says Lee. “You also want access to the gallery’s ancillary services such as home viewings, framing, crating and shipping, and delivery and installation.”
SEE IT AS A COLLECTION
“Think of the art you acquire as a collection and consider the interplay of the works you already own,” Cindy adds.
STAY CURRENT
“Keep yourself informed and go to exhibitions, not just the blockbuster shows, but also local museums,” says Lee.