If you’ve been following me for a while, you’d know that I love art. I love discovering new styles through emerging artists, admiring works of the masters through various fairs here and abroad, and purchasing a few pieces for my home.

I understand how collecting art can be intimidating. I believe it shouldn’t. I think that art, in the end, is made to help us make more connections. An artwork should bring a sense of joy and even a piece of history. It can tell stories too: Ours and that of the artist. In art, we also support an industry that shapes creativity.

Aside from that, having a few pieces of art we enjoy makes for a long-term commitment. They become centerpieces of our homes, a part of our heritage, or just simply something we look at that always makes us stop and smile.

One art exhibit that’s caught my attention is SM Supermalls’ Art for Everyone. Happening until the second week of September, the exhibition aims to help bring art closer to people. It’s an excellent place to start building your own collection.

If you’re set to visit Art for Everyone and make that first purchase, if not another to add to your collection, I’ve put together some tips.

#1 Go with what you truly like

Your love for the art piece should be real. Instead of listening to how other people would respond to it, go for an artwork that speaks to you. An excellent purchase, whether it’s for your first one or your nth one, is on an art piece that you love. It may be uncanny for others, it may be a little against the grain. Who cares? To find an art piece that speaks to you on an individual level is all that matters.

#2 Set a budget

I think it’s a misconception that you must spend big to get great art. Like all shopping trips, it’s always wise to set aside a budget. This applies even if you are a casual art collector or if you have a habit of going to every art fair in town. Learn how to accurately set aside money in your monthly or yearly budget for art. This way, your decisions will be informed, and you get more value from what you get.

#3 Always be on the lookout

Part of art collecting is educating yourself. Don’t be afraid to read up on the styles you like and the artists you fancy online. It’s through this you will refine your taste, and you’ll spot the best ways you can score their works.

Go to as many art fairs as you can. Keep going back if it’s a week-long event even if its to just keep looking at the same thing until you know precisely what you like.

Another great thing about being an art collector is the knowledge and the stories you collect by learning more about the art and who made it. It makes for great conversations with fellow collectors and artists!

#4 Be a supporter

Art fairs are great places to discover budding artists. Don’t discredit the value in getting pieces from them. In fact, you may be one smart art collector to be able to pick out the future masters before they hit the mainstream.

At the very least, if you like works by newbies in the industry, you’re supporting their passion. Plus you got something unique that you can treasure.

#5 Don’t be afraid to ask questions

When it comes to art, the more questions you ask the gallerists and artists, the more it shows that you have appreciation over their works. This also gives you new insight into the kind of art that you should purchase.

Your curiosity over their craft and what it took to get the artwork done will let people know you really value the craftsmanship. Plus you get to know more why you like certain masterpieces over others. Asking questions also gives you good leads in the art world. For example, you can get a clue for the next fairs or who to visit for specific collections.

Art for Everyone 2019 presents a multitude of paintings, photographs, and sculptures across 18 SM malls all over the country. Check out the one nearest you on the following dates:

SM Megamall (Aug. 20 – Sept. 1)
SM Sucat (Aug. 18-31)
SM Angono (Aug. 19-30)
SM San Jose Del Monte (Aug. 19-31)
SM Cebu (Aug. 26 – Sept. 4)
SM Lanang Premier (Aug. 26 – Sept. 7)
SM Legazpi (Aug. 26 – Sept. 8)
SM Marikina (Aug. 26 – Sept. 8)
SM Novaliches (Aug. 26 – Sept. 8)
SM CDO Downtown Premier (Sept. 1-7)
The Podium (Sept. 2-15)

You can also catch it at SM Mall of Asia, SM Aura Premier, SM Batangas, SM Bacolod, SM Molino, SM San Pablo, and SM Telabastagan until Sep. 1.