An Art Advisor Shares Tips For Curating Your Own Collection

Having placed works in esteemed collections worldwide, including The Metropolitan Museum of Art and The Guggenheim Museum, art advisor Sarah Calodney is on a mission to help create impressive and emotive portfolios. Below, the founder of Calodney Advisory, with locations in Dallas, New York and Aspen, shares her insights on curating a personal collection.

What do you look for in new artwork?

I look for three things: One, the quality of the work—does the artist have mastery of their talent? Two, what does the artist have to say that is different than what has already been said? And three, does it make an emotional impact on me? This is the most critical—if I feel this, I can forget the other rules.

How do you encourage clients to “feel” art?

Don’t just look at the art when you stand in front of it. You should have an emotional reaction to any work of art you are thinking of acquiring. If not, buying it is the equivalent of buying a book in a language you can’t read.

Which artists are you watching?

I am in love with N. Dash, Rita Ackermann, Marina Perez Simão, Sarah Miska and Andrea Büttner.

How can collectors support the artistic community?

Art collectors can buy from local galleries and support institutions, like Dallas Contemporary, that have a mandate to show local artists alongside international well-known artists.