Art Buying Checklist: Your Guide to Building a Collection with Confidence

Buying art isn’t just for experts, investors, or people with gallery walls. It’s for anyone who wants to live with creativity. Whether you’ve just felt that first spark or you’re ready to make your first purchase, this guide is for you. 

Here’s a simple, thoughtful Art Buying Checklist to guide you on your journey: 

1. Connect with the Artwork 

Before price, signature, or medium — ask yourself: 

“Do I feel something?” 

Art speaks differently to everyone. Choose pieces that move you, challenge you, reflect you, or invite you into new ways of seeing. 

2. Get to Know the Artist 

Ask questions. Attend open studios. Follow their process. 

At Asisebenze, you’ll often find artists working right here — doors open, stories flowing, canvases in motion. Buying art is about building relationships with the makers. The story behind the work adds depth to what hangs on your wall. 

3. Ask About the Medium and Materials 

Is it a one-of-a-kind piece? A limited-edition print? How was it made, and what materials? 

Understanding the technical side of a work helps you care for it properly and also appreciate its value and complexity. 

4. Consider Size and Space 

Where will this work live?

Measure your space and visualize how the piece will interact with your environment. If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to ask for a mock-up or consult with the gallery team — we’re always here to help you imagine the possibilities. 

5. Know What You’re Paying For 

Art is priced based on many factors: size, medium, edition, career stage of the artist, and more. Always feel empowered to ask: 

“Can you tell me more about the price?”  

We believe in transparency. Supporting an artist is an investment — in both the artwork and the creative ecosystem it grows in. 

Bonus Tip: Trust Your Gut 

There’s no formula for love at first sight. If you keep coming back to a piece in your mind, that’s a sign. Trust the pull. Art has a way of choosing us, too. 

Come Explore and Collect 

As we prepare for an exciting August with Contra and the unveiling of our new Gallery in Marshalltown, there’s no better time to explore, connect, and collect. Come visit, ask questions, and build your collection — one heartfelt choice at a time. 

Asisebenze is not just a space to view art — it’s a place to live with it.