Toronto International Art Fair

Camilla Singh (MOCCA) and Simon Farrington (Paul Petro) in front of "Rose" by Jennifer Murphy | Nathalie Atkinson (fashion writer, National Post) in Tevrow and Chase, is seated on a mixed media installation by Emily Duke and Cooper Battersby

This year's 8th Toronto International Art Fair (TIAF)is far more interesting that last year! With a focus on vibrant, contemporary art, Toronto artists and dealers steal the limelight, although Montreal comes in a close second. Galerie Donald Brown was selling T-shirts by Sandeep Bhagwati whose artwork includes inscriptions like - "I have a religion exactly like yours, only a little better".

Remember, you don't need to be a Tannenbaum to buy art. Here's some advice on getting started.

Tips For Buying Art

1. Start small. Check out work sold on the walls of small cafes, holiday studio sales, or outdoor art shows. Artists selling in these venues often have small affordable works ranging from $30 - $300. Buying low priced gems is a great way to get your collection of to a quick start.

2. Always ensure that the work is archival. This means the work has been created and framed with materials that won't turn yellow, or start disintegrating!

3. Don't buy art for other people.

4. Buy for joy, not investment. If a painting you bought for $300 increases in value to $2000, and you'd rather have the painting than $2000, you've got a good deal.
5. If you love it and can afford it, buy it. I once let go of a piece that was $200. A few months later the artist had been discovered and similar work was $4000.
6. Bid and win with class. If your bid wins at auction, please don't gloat - it's tacky. Use your Toronto street style to accept your good fortune with grace and poise.

Sandra Ainsley - always on the cutting edge of glass | Frozen pigeon from Bjornson Kajiwara Gallery