Collecting African American Art

Book excerpt: Art enthusiasts and lovers of American art have long considered collecting art a hobby reserved solely for the wealthy. "Collecting African American Art" effectively dispels this misconception. In these newly revised and updated pages, lavishly illustrated with almost two hundred works by a wide range of artists, readers will find practical guidelines for becoming an informed collector, including specific criteria for working with dealers. By providing succinct advice on framing, insurance, and tax and estate planning, as well as pointers on how to care for one's own collection, author Halima Taha makes collecting an enjoyable--and affordable--pastime for everyone. Combining a rich and diverse blend of aesthetic traditions from Africa, the Caribbean, and the United States, African American art has emerged as the most actively collected art in the marketplace. This guide presents both new and established artists and identifies dealers throughout the nation specializing in the field. Insightful and accessible, it is the first book to define the role of the collector of African American art. The result is a unique and essential guide to developing a meaningful and rewarding collection.