How to Collect Folk Art

If you want to collect folk art, you need to decide if you are going to specialize in a particular area or collect folk art pieces in general. Often folk art collectors only collect pieces of one type, such as paintings, figurines or textiles. Other collectors enjoy finding folk art from specific countries, materials or time periods. Whatever your preference, collecting folk art is an enjoyable hobby. Read on to learn more.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Folk art price guide

1. Decide what type of folk art you would like to collect. Some folk art collectors enjoy collecting antique or vintage pieces, while others enjoy the more contemporary pieces. Perhaps you might like to mix them together and collect pieces of different eras and types.

2. Read articles online and in books about the folk art you enjoy.

3. Purchase a price guide on the specific type of folk art you want to collect. If there is not a book for that type, buy a general price guide, but make sure it has a section on the specific type of folk art that you are interested in collecting.

4. Join a local folk art collectors group. If there isn't one in your area, search the Internet for a website such as folkart.org.

5. Check local antique and collectible shops, flea markets, thrift stores and yard sales looking for folk art pieces to add to your collection.

6. Browse online auctions, such as ebay.com, as well as online antique and collectible shops.

7. Attend local craft and art shows searching for that special piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Folk art refers to any work of art that was produced by someone without any formal training, that shows skill and craftsmanship.
• Display your collection of folk are in a way that you will enjoy seeing the pieces.
• American folk art began in the 1700s.

Resources

• Visit this site for great information on folk art
• Go here for more information on folk art

[MawBear]

on 12/19/2007 Nice article! Maw Bear