Please join us for a panel discussion by Bay Area print collectors on July 6, 2011, 7:00 pm at the Meridian Gallery. 535 Powell Street in San Francisco.

What drives collectors to collect? More specifically, what inspires collectors to collect prints? Join Meridian for a panel discussion with five Bay Area print collectors, including Nancy Falls, Louis Girling, Dave Himmelblau, Norma Schlossman and moderator Alan Selsor, to discuss what drives their passion.

The collectors on this panel offer a wide range of thoughts on what stimulates them to collect, how they began and why they collect prints in particular. Below is a taste of their dialog as it has developed in the lead up to the panel discussion.

"For me, subject matter is NOT really a driver. My preference is for figurative art, and I went into collecting with that already established as a "given." The other factors have been more in play as I have shaped my collecting."
Alan Selsor

"I must first say that in general, the image and content ARE the most important aspect of the work. But image is shaped in many respects by historical and cultural context, naturally by the artist's own passions and interests, and by his/her media. But in many ways, the appearance and appeal of original prints, more than other forms of art, is determined by the media and the way the artist uses the media - so at times, for me, the consideration of extraordinary use of media/technique almost rivals image and content as a consideration when I'm considering a print's desirability."
Louis Girling

"First and foremost I am drawn to the invention and imagination of the artist. I love works on paper; the images, designs, patterns, how the ink is applied as well as the texture of the paper. A main criteria is that I must see the work in person."
Norma Schlossman

"At first I collected old masters, and then arrived at modern day artists. At this time, I appreciate discovering modern works by contemporary artists, particularly women artists. I am mainly attracted by what appeals to my eye, no matter what the medium."
Nancy Falls

"My collecting of prints was stimulated by my first real in-depth introduction to art through the Achenbach Graphic Arts Council. Through their programs, classes, studio visits, and curator talks I've learned a great deal about the making of prints and why they are more than just pretty pictures or alternatives to painting."
Dave Himmelblau

"I do pursue favorite artists - although 3 or 4 good examples is about my limit for any one artist. In most cases, an artist is represented by a single piece. I do like to assemble works representing artist-couples or groups of close friends/associates. I see myself mainly in the mode of curator/historian. Each piece has to contribute to the whole story (or stories) being told by the collection."
Alan Selsor

"What I really prize is artworks that present something ‘new' to me. I'm not so interested in their "historical" context, and I prefer to acquire pleasing prints in quantity rather than making a large expenditure on a more ‘significant' one."
Dave Himmelblau

"On some level desiring to own the work is somewhat irrational - one has to spend hard-earned money, find space, think about conservation and so on - but the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual stimulation, and just sheer pleasure of having the work accessible in one's own intimate space, make all that effort seem worthwhile."
Louis Girling