Open studios

There are many different avenues one can take to collect art. You can buy at auction, from galleries, from other collectors, or directly from the artist. If you are interested in contemporary art, or emerging artists, a good way to buy work is through open studios. Often, artist communities or neighborhoods host open studios days, where a groups of artist open up their studios for public view, and more often than not, they are looking to sell their work. Check your local newspapers, or search online - usually these open studios are well publicized. Also, most art schools have open studio days - so if you're looking for emerging work - a good M.F.A. program could be your best bet at finding some great stuff.