One of the first things I did when I moved in with my then boyfriend, now husband, was hang pictures. Having things on the walls helps make a house a home.

I studied art and architecture in college and worked in a museum writing descriptions of and handling work by some of my favorite famous dead artists. The primary takeaway from my education and my experience is this: surround yourself with pieces you love.

It doesn’t matter where you find art, how important it is, how much it costs or if other people like the same things that you do. However, if you are interested in collecting, you may want to consider these things:

1. Education
There are many places in Wichita where you can meet artists, learn about art, about framing and about collecting. The more you know, the more you’ll appreciate and enjoy art and understand the act of collecting.

2. Framing
The quality and style of a frame can make or break a piece of art, aesthetically and financially. Invest as much as you can in proper archival materials and framing.

3. Subject
The simple act of putting something in a frame can transform just about anything from average to art. One of my favorite walls in my home contains framed holiday cards; I’ve seen paper dolls, maps, dried flowers, sheet music and many other “non-art” items framed, too.

Wichita is rich with artists that represent a variety of genres, work in every imaginable medium and create on all scales. In Wichita there’s a little something for everyone who collects art. Here are some places to look:

Center Gallery
Center Gallery promotes an appreciation and understanding of contemporary photography and its evolving role in current culture through the organization and presentation of exhibitions for emerging and mid-career artists. Participate in a workshop, become a member, support, donate or volunteer.

Final Friday
Most verb [ICT] readers are familiar with Final Friday. Next time you go, ask questions, strike up conversations and keep your eyes open for that perfect piece of art to hang over your sofa or in your office.

Gallery XII
Gallery XII was the first cooperative art gallery in Wichita and remains one of the most respected galleries in the area. Handmade greeting cards, art bins of unframed pieces as well as a lay-a-way plan provide art buyers with lots of purchase options.

Infinity Art Glass
Down the road in Benton, KS you’ll find paperweights, ornaments, blown vessels, glass sculptures, pendant lights and even sinks by talented glassblower, Scott Hartley. Stick around and he’ll give you a glass blowing demonstration.

WSU Potters Guild
Each spring the WSU Potters Guild holds a sale of student work. Proceeds go to the guild and to the artists themselves. Proceeds go towards various projects including visiting artists.

Shift Space
Shift Space is a project of WSU’s School of Art and Design to provide exhibit space student art in a public place.

Trish Higgins Fine Art
THFA draws on relationships with an extensive number of artists nationally and regionally to design collections for individuals and businesses.

Wichita Center for the Arts
The Wichita Center for the Arts is Wichita’s oldest arts organization. Exhibits pass through the main gallery frequently and the small gift shop is filled with affordably priced student and faculty work.

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