Vacation, Art I Ever Wanted

November 26th, 2019

By Veronica Vale

When it comes to art buying, there is no set formula for finding that perfect piece. Instead, like the art making process, art buying has its moments of spontaneity, of unpredictability, of challenging frustrations, and of arresting inspiration. In this way, there’s an art to buying art on vacation, so we turned to our local experts – a few of our favorite Park City interior designers – for their guidance and tips:

Tip #1: Embrace the Unique Process

The art-buying process can be as unique and original as the work itself. Senior Interior Designer Jen Gode from root’d explains how every art-shopping experience is tailored to the individual. Sometimes her clients will already have pieces in mind that stood out to them from their own strolls down Historic Main Street, but sometimes her clients want her to walk through the galleries with them, “so that [she] can get a feel for their style and what kind of work they’re drawn to.” She especially enjoys walking clients through Park City’s Friday art strolls, as the bustle and liveliness of the Main Street stroll helps to bring even more excitement to this process.

Regardless of whether you would prefer to let the artwork speak to you on your own or if you would prefer the careful eye of a trained designer from the start, our local designers recommend leaning into the uniqueness of the process.

Tip #2: Come Prepared

Although you can’t anticipate when inspiration is going to strike, it helps to be as prepared as possible. If you have a space in mind that you’re looking to fill, Interior Designer Stacey Beck from Barclay Butera Interiors recommends going into galleries “knowing the sizes you’re looking for and the colors you hope to complement.” We even recommend taking a picture of your space to bring with you while shopping for an even more streamlined experience. Here at Gallery MAR, our Fine Art Consultants can then Photoshop your favorite paintings into your space to help you better visualize that perfect match.

As helpful as this practical thinking can be, Stacey well understands that “art doesn’t always have to match to be the right fit, so long as it brings the room together and it’s a work you’re inspired by.” She adds that “when looking for art, don’t worry too much about the framing or those kinds of details – these things can be changed.” This is an excellent reminder not to get too bogged down in the details. Perhaps the only thing standing between you and that perfect piece is the addition of a sleek black frame…so let the work speak to you, and we can help with the rest.

Tip #3: Tap into Your Vacation Mode

What better way to end a day on the slopes than by strolling down Main Street for some hot cocoa, a bite to eat, and some beautiful art to admire? As Jen Gode says, “Vacation is the perfect time to look for art because you’re already in that mode.” This relaxed, carefree vacation mode makes us more receptive to a stroke of inspiration and more open to a profound connection with a piece.

If inspiration is what you’re looking for, then there’s certainly no shortage of it in Park City. Jen Gode observes how “everybody’s different when it comes to their likes and dislikes,” but all of our collectors do have one thing in common: “they are all drawn to the beautiful things Park City has to offer.” Stacey Beck agrees that when her clients are on vacation, “it’s their time to be inspired by the place that they’re in.” So while you’re here, let yourself be inspired by Park City’s powdery slopes, its lavish homes dotting the hillsides, its downtown bustle, and its rugged, wild landscape brimming with majestic wildlife…and bring that inspiration back home with you in the form of a one-of-a-kind piece.

Tip #4: Trust Your Gut

When searching for just the right piece for your home, it’s solid advice to take your time, reflect on the work you saw, and ruminate on a particular piece for a while. However, sometimes a work just strikes you a certain way, and the best thing you can do is allow it to move you. Jen Gode advises collectors to “find something they have a connection to – something that speaks to them and creates a memory of their time in that place…after all, art is a personal thing.” Finding the right artwork can be more or a romance than a task, and when you find that love-at-first-sight piece, that connection you have is all that matters.

Tip #5: Shop Local

We may be biased here, but we have to agree with our interior design experts when they recommend shopping local. Stacey believes that “shopping locally becomes a wonderful reminder of that particular vacation and holiday.” When bringing home an original work of art from your vacation, you don’t just come home with a beautiful piece, but with a memory of that time and place. In that way, your artwork becomes your most cherished souvenir. Mario Ferriera of Barclay Butera Interiors agrees that “people want to get a feel for the locals here,” and flatters us further when he says that “every client is different, but no matter what, we always recommend them Gallery MAR.” Well, now we’re blushing.

We would like to extend a gracious thank you to our local interior designers Jen Gode, Stacey Beck, and Mario Ferriera for their expert tips and advice. You can check out their websites here: