Wherever you live, there are artists around you who make art for a living. They have been to school, or they have some sort of training in their form. They need support. They need you! Here are some things to think about supporting local art, which you absolutely should.
Artists need money.
Art is a career. Artists, yes, even local artists pay to go to school to provide art to the community. So, if you commission local artists to make your invitations, don't expect them to be free. Free-lance is not free, so don't expect it to be. If you went to school for anything, you will want to be paid for your services in regards to what you went to school for. Artists have to pay their bills and you have to respect that.
"There is freedom in creativty, but when you want to utilize another person's creativity for your gain, understand it isn't free. Art takes time, resources, as well as mental and physical effort." - Shauna Lair
Shauna went to school for graphic design. Art is not only a passion for her, but also it is a way of living. She is a local artist in South Carolina who is passionate about her work in visual art and performance art as she volunteers at our community theatre.
Theatre is also a subject that people, like me, are going to school for and a form of local art that should be supported.
Supporting local art is important for both the community and the artist.
"It is so important for the culture and economy of our town. Tourists love to buy something that remind them of their trip. It's a win-win for both the city and the artist." - Tiffany Thomas
Tiffany pretty much cleared that up. She is a local artist in Florence, South Carolina and her work is featured in the cover photo of this article.
Supporting local art is good for you, too.
"Art increases in value, but the crap people buy from store is tacky and decreases in value. They should buy real art so that it shows they have a brain and can pick out something that they love and tells a story...not just something that matches the drapes." - Symon Gibson
Symon is also a local artist in Florence, South Carolina. He is very passionate about supporting local art and about abstract art.
"Art is a conversation piece. People should pick art that they have a connection to. Abstract is always better because a bowl of fruit will always be a bowl of fruit. Abstract changes depending on ur mood and how you interpret it. One day it can be your enemies soul burning in hell and the next day it's you running naked through a meadow of flowers." - Symon Gibson
Before you buy a piece of art from Walmart or Hobby Lobby, think about those in your community who make great things that you would enjoy putting above your couch.