Integrated Education Fund Benefit

Recently the gallery hosted an special event benefiting the Integrated Education Fund , an Irish non-profit that allows Catholic and Protestant children to attend integrated schools, paving the way for a brighter and more peaceful future. Brian Small spoke on behalf of the organization, explaining the importance of these schools.

There was a wonderful turnout of people who came to hear Brian, as well as to see the gallery and the many recently acquired pieces.

The newly redesigned gallery was adorned with Irish art:

Netta Blanchard (American Ireland Funds), Brian Small, and Alan Barnes:

Belle Barnes, Brad and Gay Donnell, Alan Barnes:

Listening to Brian Small speak:

Brian Small and Kevin Hanrahan:
Karin and Don:

As we get into the fall and winter season, the gallery will be hosting additional artists as well as a photography exhibition. We look forward to seeing familiar and new faces as the holidays approach.

Until then...

A Word From AB

After spending much of the Summer in the UK and Ireland my attention span towards the gallery blog has been, to say the least, pensive. However, I promise that this is about to change.

Up until now, it has been my assistant Karin who added and taken away from this blog, and for her efforts I will remain grateful.

The purpose of a blog is to update and educate art lover and art followers alike, to the new and exciting changes within the international art markets along with up coming events and basic news within the walls of ABFA. So here goes!

State of the Market:

Some will have you believe that the first thing to go down the tube, and the last thing to come back, is the art market. My guess is that in past years this has indeed been the truth of the matter. However, it is my opinion that this time around the collectible markets of the connoisseur remains reasonably stable. A dip in the modern scene has taken place, but that seems to be the trend if one is in recession or not. However, when thay come back and they will, it will be with a bang!
The 19th century markets are slow, but I think that due more as a result of the poor stock being offered. Anything that is any good, or fresh with a reasonable amount of quality is always desirable on the open market. The key is not to ask to much or be to proud of the painting that you own. So dont be bashful these days in making an offer.

Over all, I would say that the 'Old Master' market has proved to be the strongest. However, anything can happen these days, and that includes a storming recovery !!! like the rest of us, I just don't know when. Consequently, in saying that... it is a rewarding time to get involved and seek out quality paintings as I have witnessed some mammoth buys in recent months. If your making 1% in the high street and your happy with that fine; who am I to argue... but don't close the hatches on you art collections... get out there and see whats on offer.

Short quote from a London Dealer when asked how business was and if he has seen any Americans....... "My dear boy, I have more chance of seeing a panda in Bond Street than an American these days"....... I think that said it all

New Artist:

I am delighted to announce that ABFA are now sole US agents for Barrington Tabb. This remarkable painter from Bristol has awarded to the paying public for years with his highly acclaimed paintings, and I urge you all to take a break and gaze upon the mans work. It really is a lifetime of achievement and of the highest standard.




Changes:

We, I, and everyone one else involved in this mass money making machine have all given time effort and labour to make some small but nonetheless, suitable changes to the gallery and its atmosphere. We have a new look and some wonderful new stock .... so, make a date and pop in and say hello. You will be made most welcome!

Good Lord !! a customer arrives. Must dash......

Tut tar for now.

Matthew Alexander Show Pictures!!!

Here are some images from this amazing night:

The Garretts, The Barnes, and Gilbert!

The artist having a laugh with Chris and Sheila:

Matthew and Trish Alexander:

The tie comes off!

Matthew, Brill, and Jason:

Frank Osborne and Gilbert:

Matthew, Janie and Frank Osborne:

The Herbiners:

Sheila, Belinda, and Chris:

Alan and Steve:

Matthew and Friends:

Karin:

Two tough guys:

Gallery scenes:

What a great opening night! Matthew and Trish flew in from England earlier in the week and I can't say enough good things about these two kind, funny, warm, and talented people. It really was an honor to have them here.

The evening was an amazing success. Many people took home an Alexander painting. A few even took their's home that night!

We can't wait to see what Matthew will paint next. But until then, please come and take a look at his paintings while they are still in the gallery. You won't be sorry. They are simply astounding.

Matthew Alexander Paintings Are Arriving

I hope everyone is ready for some new art!! Over the last week, Matthew's works have been arriving at the gallery. They are being shipped from England, so of course there is a bit of nervous excitement as the boxes arrive. I don't know if Matthew prepares these boxes himself or not, but someone across the Atlantic sure knows how to pack a box for safe shipping. You almost need an advanced degree to open them. But once they're opened - WOW!

Think it over

Well, Happy St. Patrick's Day people!!

As Karin has worked so hard and enthusiastically on this blog, I thought I would sit down and add a few thoughts of my own....

In these dark and unpredictable financial times, most if not all, have gathered what has not been "lost" or "given away" from their financial belongings and seemingly stuffed it all under the bed. And who could blame them?

So, as a result it would seem that many people have turned spiraling stocks into common cash. It is with these thoughts in mind, that I turn your minds eye to the international art markets....( or my gallery, fingers crossed ) ... over the past 50 years the art markets have had enormous success, and it's all in black and white on the Internet... Buying a quality original work of art for the correct price, and to be able to enjoy, savour if you like, its beauty everyday is such a refreshing change from paper stock.

I am certainly buying more works of art than ever before.... I honestly believe quality art, drawing, silver, porcelain, perhaps vintage wine as well, is well worth your time with regard to the alternative investment...

Over the past 209 years we, as in my family, have never purposely sold the investment... however as time goes by, and I can say with out fear of contradiction, that we most certainly have! As I look back at our stock books and see the great names, like Turner, Constable, Herring, Grimshaw, and Bacon and the selling prices.. I almost cringe, ouch! I wish we had never sold them... because if that would be the case, I would not be writing this bloody blog!

Thought of the day: " Your original quality painting will always be worth something, but some stocks will be worth absolutely nothing!"....

Must dash.... a customer arrives..

Have a great day

ARB

Endings and Beginnings

I can't believe that it's been a month since Shirley's show. Where has the time gone? "Vistas" is coming to an end today. This was Shirley's first American exhibition and it was marvelous!! We can't wait to see where this talented artist will go next. Don't forget to support Shirley by keeping up with her here http://shirleywilliamsart.com/ and here http://www.shirleywilliamsart.com/blog and tell her hello!

Shirley, we all wish you THE BEST!

We've got a short break in between shows, and I as I speak - Alan and Steve are rehanging the gallery in a wonderful assortment of modern works that are just coming alive on our colorful walls! (Pictures to follow....)

To keep things from getting boring before Matthew Alexander's show in May, Alan has a "Tasteful Evening with Friends" planned. The gallery will be hosting an evening of exquisite goods and wine. Details are TBA - but trust me, it sounds fun!

As always, leave comments if you're reading - and better yet, stop by if you're in the area. You know we always like a good excuse to sit and chat. And drink.

Is there anybody out there???

Well, I'm going to keep on writing, even if nobody's reading... and if you are reading - for God's sake, leave a comment!! It's getting lonely here. In the meantime, here are some random thoughts.

Random Thought #1:

Here in Dallas, our balmy February gave way to a frigid start to March as the temperatures dropped 50 degrees or so in the matter of a day. My wardrobe got a temporary case of spring fever, so hopefully the warm temps will return soon.

Random Thought #2:

I'm thankful that working in the art world (or at least Alan's art world) allows me to start the day a bit later than I would in the corporate world. This allows me the benefit of missing the rush hour here, which generally lasts from 6:30 til 9:00 or so. It also spares Alan and Phil the dismal abyss that is Karin in the morning.

Random Thought #3:

I am a political science major, by trade, and actually spent time in the political arena for a short time. I'd take Alan and Phil over a bunch of politicians, any day. But oh, the stories I can tell... If anyone actually reads this blog, let me know - and maybe I'll tell some!!

Meanwhile... in the art world...

We're still showing Shirley Williams' wonderful paintings and gearing up for our Matthew Alexander show in May. Alan's been throwing around a few ideas of what to do in between. People are still coming in and looking at art, despite the economy. And for those of you who live in Texas - I heard an interesting poll this morning. A large percentage of Texans feel "little to no effect" of the current recession in their personal lives. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it stays that way.