OVERVIEW

Often when we talk about an “art collection”  it comes from the context and perspective of the collector; however typical to Sidewalk Radio, we like to look at things a bit differently.  In this month’s episode we explore the art of collecting by assembling a collection of our own: the appraiser, the artist, the cultural curator, and the puppet master (well, of sorts).  What we find is that the art of collecting is a varied, and many times individual, process of understanding.

Joining Gene in the studio to discuss the value of art is gallery owner, creator of the respected “Culture Club”, and certified art appraiser Spalding Nix of Spalding Nix Fine Art.  Spalding helps paint the picture of value from sentimental artifacts (like his treasured Rolling Stones t-shirts) to stratospheric trophy collecting like Edvard Munch’s “The Scream”, predicted to sell this summer at auction in the neighborhood of $100,000,000; smart money is on the Russians to snap this up.

We’re very happy to talk with celebrated artist Todd Murphy, who’s passion and profession drove him to sail to Antarctica. Todd’s recent collection Narrow Road to the Far South was born from his journey aboard an ice-cutter plowing the frigid waters, and is now showcased at locally famed Jackson Fine Art.  On a recent visit “home” Todd hopped on over to our Midtown studios (by way of Brooklyn) to discuss his voyage, what he likes to collect, how his art is collected, and the use of collected elements used to create art.

Leading the charge of rallying new patrons to the arts, and doing a fine job himself at supporting art across Atlanta, is Louis Corrigan, creator of Flux Projects. But, Louis is more than just a guy who likes and supports art. Corrigan is a collector of artists, helping to coordinate their creativity in a way that curates the city.  Flux’s temporary public art (not to mention the extreme creativity and interaction supplied by the artists), brought 10,000 people out on a single night to see art last October in the Castleberry Hill neighborhood.  Corrigan wants to get that number to 1,000,000 city-wide and we believe he can make that happen. Louis joins Gene to talk about the importance of collecting from a cultural perspective.

Then there is Daniel Summers, Jr., Marketing Director at the Center for Puppetry Arts.  Daniel is no puppet on a string, but rather his own master creation of theatrics, knowledge, entertainment and expertise. Daniel talks about the collection at the Center for Puppetry Arts (they have over 2000 puppets in their collection), the history of puppetry, and how puppets are working works of art.

All in all, we are very happy with our “collection” and hope you will be too.