Why buy art? Why do people buy art? Today, let's sit down and think a bit.

What is art to you ? What is art to your neighbor? The reasons may be totally opposite for each of you because you are each unique individuals. Myself, I prefer historical art, e specially aviation or military historical art. But there are a surprising number of reasons that are similar for each of us. I have assembled some thoughts on w hy people buy and display art in their home or place of business. * Art is a powerful form of expression not only for the artists who create it, b ut also for those who own it. Art allows people to express their individuality, and to represent deeply held beliefs, feelings, convictions or philosophies in s ocially (and visually) redeeming ways. * Art encourages people to ask questions, to take brief moments out of our busy lives to reflect on ideas other than how to make more money faster or how to get over on the competition. *Art improves quality of life. All you have to do is think about the difference between a room with bare walls and one with walls full of art. The room with the art work will be vibrant and alive. People will want to visit that room, becaus e the art work touches their soul in a very personal way. It reminds them of the ir humanity, of their significance in the world, something that is lost in the b usiness of everyday lives. *Art inspires people to think about and even visualize ways that life used to be , what it is today, or might one day be better than it is now. * Art stimulates the expression and interchange of thoughts, feelings, and ideas among total strangers who might never otherwise say a single word to each other . * Children are fascinated with art. Art makes children ask questions, encourages them to fantasize and imagine, and expands their perceptions of reality. Art te aches children how to be creative and have fun with life. * Art transforms and personalizes the places where we live and work. Art can evo lve lifeless interiors-- homes as well as offices-- into unique, beautiful and e ngaging environments. * For those so inclined, art can be used to signify wealth, success or power, an d can even be used to intimidate. For example, imagine a CEO's office appointed with a big bold, vibrant, dynamic painting hanging on the wall directly behind h is desk, and two imposing larger-than-life sculptures, one at either side of the desk. Anyone who sits and meets with this individual must also contend with his art. * A work of art is not only visually appealing, but it also communicates the per sonality, abilities, creativity, inspiration, attitudes, and at best, the brilli ance and genius of the artist who created it. And people who own art are able to experience and be uplifted by these qualities on an ongoing basis. * A work of art reflects, enhances and even magnifies the personality of the ind ividual who owns it. * Art attracts attention on global as well as personal levels. An impressive or extensive personal art collection can be likened in microcosm to that of a great museum, and certainly increases the esteem of that individual among his or her peers. In fact, many of the great personal art collections end up in museums.

* Art makes people proud to live, work, and play where they do. They point to th eir museums, public monuments, and cultural institutions with pride. *For those of you buyers who like to profit from your art, people decide where t o spend their time (and money) based on the types or amounts of art they know or expect to encounter. For example, commercial spaces such as restaurants, hotels , and meeting places can be more or less interesting and attractive to patrons d epending on the art they have on display (or lack of it). * Across the country and around the world, artists move into troubled or blighte d neighborhoods or parts of cities and revitalize them with their artistry. Thei r creative expression increases property values, new businesses move in, and the overall quality of life improves immeasurably. Sooner or later, the public at l arge discovers these wondrous transformations, and in some cases, people actuall y travel thousands of miles to visit these oases, spend time there, and of cours e, buy art. *For most people if they like a work of art, it is because it profoundly affects them. It reminds them of a time in their lives that was personally moving or im portant. And the exact same piece of art work will mean totally different things to different people, because every person is unique. A piece of art work can in spire lives and has the power to nurture and nourish the spirit.