Welcome to Western Art Collector! It is with great pride that we present the 15th annual Western Museum Directory. Michael Clawson, our revered museum expert, provides some great insight in his editor’s letter. We highlight 13 museums in the directory, and then we have eight previews of upcoming exhibitions. These are the top Western art museums in the United States, and we have in-depth information on all of them, including their upcoming shows and events. These museums house some of the greatest pieces of Western history and heritage. The guide starts on Page 57. Be sure to use it as you make travel plans around the country.
We hear from collectors almost every day about a piece they bought from a gallery, museum or direct from an artist. Sometimes these purchases are online acquisitions, but at the present time it is more often an in-person purchase. In fact, across the country we have been seeing record-breaking sales, auction results and show results. Many of these purchases are made by people who attend the shows. This is great for the Western art world. We support both online and in-person sales—any sale is great!—but it’s always wonderful to hear about how people are engaging at the art venues. In 2021, online purchases were at an all-time high and they have since dropped because our buying patterns are just changing.
Why? Here are a few great reasons. First, AI has created a lot of real conversation and concern about buying art, jewelry or any luxury item online. We are more hesitant and we really need to trust the person we are buying from now. Collectors who know and trust their gallery are much more confident in their purchase. Second, the amount of unreliable information that circulates online is staggering. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
When it’s in print and in Western Art Collector you can believe and trust that our team has vetted the source, researched the artist and has a verified relationship with the story. This allows you to do what you want, which is buy great art that represents the ongoing legacy of the West. We want you to have a sense of security in this art world we belong in. Enjoy this issue!
Wendie Martin and Adolfo Castillo
Publishers
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