written for the CNY Art Showcase Magazine 2012
The Artist and the Patron
Walking through my living room I stopped to gaze upon a beautiful painting and enjoyed how the morning light reflected off the surface and gave the colors a renewed energy; giving me inspiration and gratitude for the artist that created this engaging piece. I remembered when I purchased it and how I knew I had to have it. As I left the gallery, I thought there is something magical about it, looking back for one last glance. My mind and heart kept telling me, oh go ahead, buy it, you love it, and more importantly you will be supporting the gallery and therefore supporting the artist. Needless to say I returned to the gallery and put the piece on lay-a-way, as that is all my artist income could afford. Six months later I was the proud owner of a Wendy Harris.
How many times have we paused in front of an intriguing piece of art, and it has taken us someplace else by its uniqueness, message, and presence. How many times have we walked down the streets of Syracuse and wondered where have all the galleries gone? More importantly we should ask ourselves, how important is it to support our artists and the venues displaying their work. Central New York and its communities are truly a hotbed of creativeness and overflowing with wonderful art to carry us through even the longest cold wintry day. We cannot afford to lose these gifts of creativity to our own backyards. Artists will always create and produce and are generous to a fault. Unfortunately, the cost to be an artist today has more than tripled in the last ten years and we are straining to keep up with the cost of supplies and space to work in. We need our patrons more than ever, and our galleries need your support through your patronage. As you longingly gaze upon that next piece of art encountered in the local gallery, think about how visually pleasing this work will be in your own home. Think about the conversations it will stimulate, think about how, with your purchase, you are supporting the artists and the venues that support them. We can also see how collectors, through history, have filled the walls and pedestals of the world’s museums for our viewing pleasure and our children’s enrichment. Also, we should not forget all the other benefits artwork bestows upon its benefactors and patrons; for example, social functions to benefit a good cause, opportunities for networking, and let us not forget the joy of owning an incredible piece of art.
Finally, these gifts of creativity continue to give well past the lives of the artists and the patrons who listened to their collecting spirit and generously purchased their works. When you next walk out of an art selling venue with your coveted art purchase, you will have acquired the unique status of art collector. Your journey has begun or is continuing and the importance of what you are doing will remind you every day as you enjoy your own collection with family and friends.
Linda Bigness
Artist and Patron
Studio245's Blog 
I read this a couple of days ago. I love Wendy Harris’ work, as her colors are perfect to me. They are lights from the heavens, if I can be dramatic.
The collectors? where are they. I do not think that many are here in this area, other wise your work would be all sold, and I think someone would pick up one or 2 of mine. I think that the art world of old has found itself in the same situation of the housing crisis. Many well established artists work, that were purchased for a good amount can not be resold for the same amount. That is the problem with the old style of art gallery. I may be wrong, but I know some artists that had their day in the 70’s and now are paupers, their stuff hardly selling in estate sales. Very discouraging. Linda, I think that it would be nice for artists to show work in big venues, like Manhattan galleries, but does that mean your stuff is good? I think it means that you have good connections. I does create a bigger audience. We all need a big audience.
Your experience and knowledge is so important for us artists that have such little notice. I have such a desire to learn that it gets in the way of my desire to show. I am torn between oil which I haven’t used since I was 17 and acrylic. There are so many opportunities to learn about both. One of the interesting and important things about life, is that i have found multiple chances to explore new concepts, meet exciting new people and find my own path. I think I have gone off the path of what I initially was saying and that what you have written is right on the money. Collectors, where hasth thou gone.
This is a wonderful blog.