How to Find and Connect with Local Artists

written by Houke de Kwant on January 21, 2022

There are plenty of reasons you might like to connect with local artists in your community. You might want a piece to hang in your home, or you could have a vacation rental that you’d like to give local flair. You could be a general collector of art, or perhaps you’re looking to commission something custom. You might also just like the idea of supporting local people in your community as a way of strengthening it. 

Regardless of the specifics, you may not be sure how to connect with local artists, and with that in mind, the following are some tips. 

Find Galleries

You may not even be aware of the many art galleries in your town or city. These can be one of the best places to get a feel for some of the artists in your area. Galleries are usually themselves local businesses, and they can help you find pieces that are just what you’re looking for. 

When you start working with a gallery, they’ll also form a relationship with you so they can let you know when they get new work that they think you might like. 

You’re supporting the artist and the owners of the gallery when you go this route. 

Often people think of galleries as being out of their budget, and while it can be expensive to shop some galleries for art, it doesn’t have to be. There’s often something for every budget, and the gallery owner can work with you. 

Local Events

Check and see if your community has upcoming fairs or festivals. Local artists will often have booths or displays at these events, and it’s a great way to browse and find those things that resonate with you. Even if you don’t buy something at the event, you can get the artist’s contact information and see what they have available. 

Many cities, especially in the warmer months, will have art walks and even dedicated art sales too. Social media is a good place to start if you aren’t sure how to find these events in your community. 

Your local newspaper might also have an art section that will let you know about local events. If any indie or smaller newspapers are published in your community, they’re also good resources to connect with local artists. 

Look Around When You’re Out and About

Local business owners tend to like the idea of supporting local artists, so the next time you’re in the café, coffee shop, or restaurant you like to frequent, look at the walls. If there’s any art, it might be from a local artist, so ask. 

Some artists will even sell their pieces through restaurants and coffee shops so you can buy them right off the wall. 

Use Google

It can be that the most straightforward solutions tend to work the best, and finding local artists is no exception. You can do a Google search using location-based keywords to see if you’re able to find anyone in your area. You can also search hashtags on Instagram. 

Visit a Local University

If you live in a city or town with a college or university, you might have access to up-and-coming artists. You can discover some of the best new artists before anyone else, which is exciting for many collectors and first-time original art buyers. 

A lot of schools have their own galleries that are part of campus, and they have student exhibitions. These are often free to the public, and if you find something you like, the prices will probably be very reasonable. You might also be able to get in touch with a broad range of artists through these events. 

Talk to Real Estate Agents

Finally, if you’re looking for art because you will be moving to a new home, talk to your real estate agent. Real estate agents are often a wealth of information about everything in the community, including the best artists. 

Real estate agents are known for connecting people, and they may have information about artists because they use them for staging or other projects they work on. 

Once you find a great local artist or maybe a few, you’ll be able to start building a collection and knowing that in doing so, you’re providing support to your entire community. It can be a lot more fulfilling than buying something online that’s been mass-produced because you have a real relationship with the creator.