Tiny Art: The Quinn's Collection
Years ago when I first visited my friend Evan in New Hampshire (before we both moved to the west coast) I spent a good, long time kneeling on her couch and staring at her tiny art collection. At that time, Evan and her husband lived near the lovely Nahcotta Gallery, which is known for it’s annual Enormous Tiny Art Show (which just happens to have opened Friday!), which is now also an always-available online store. Nahcotta’s show made it easy for the Quinns to start collecting, which they did on a regular basis as part of their date nights to local art walk events. By the time I first saw their collection, it was already lovely and intriguing.
Evan and Randy started collecting tiny art for budgetary reasons, but also because at that time they moved around a lot. Big art felt like a burden. Tiny art was easily packed and easily hung in any room arrangement.
Collecting tiny art in the local art scene of New Hampshire became a way for them to connect to their community. Evan told me that buying local art became more important and more fulfilling to them than an expensive dinner. They kept their purchases to $50-200 and used it as a way to connected with friends and artists in their city.
Artists featured in the Quinn's collection include Erin Murray, Abigail Halpin, Ben Schlitter, Lisa Silvestre, Flora Bowley, Lynzee Lynx, and Robin Luciano Beaty
Evan says that when they bought their first piece of art they felt accomplished, like they had achieved a new level of adulthood. Their first art-buying experience left them with an object that they still love and that became a lasting part of their home. They also had supported the arts that were so important to them.
The Quinns have some good tips for arranging them too! Evan and Randy arrange the paintings on the floor in front of the wall they go on, slide them around until the arrangement feels complimentary, take a photo of the arrangement, and then hang them up in their chosen pattern. They like them fairly close together, but not in a perfect grid.
Evan’s advice for starting your collection?
- Most cities have monthly art walks, so start there.
- Find art that resonates.
- Ask about layaway plans if you need to.
She says: Make it a priority in your budget because it's better than a night of cocktails. You will enjoy it forever instead of just for one night.
Agreed.
Further Exploring:
Evan is a very talented brand strategist, designer, and programmer.
Nahcotta Gallery and their Enormous Tiny Art Show.
