Building a collection of artwork is an art in itself. No need to go it alone--Peg Alston Gallery is helping patrons, collectors, and would-be collectors navigate the ins and outs of the visual arts with seminars to help turn your bare walls into museum-worthy tableaux. Peg Alston, the Harlem gallerist credited with organizing the earliest seminars on collecting African and African-American art, will lead the workshops herself. Befriended and mentored by several of the most prominent artists of their day, Alston has a distinct and informed POV. She'll dispense know-how on building a collection of value, learning about various periods of art, how to perceive art, and how to identify styles of artists. Sessions will be held weekly. Most will take place at the gallery, but count on field trips to museums, artists' studios, and outstanding private collections. You'll be introduced to artists from the late 19th century to the present, including Henry O. Tanner, Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Alma Thomas, Carrie Mae Weems, El Anatsui, and Kehinde Wiley. RSVP required, but hurry--class size is limited and seats go fast. Call 212-663-8333 or e-mail pegalston [at] earthlink.net. Private sessions also available. Pricing: $125 per session; $200 for two sessions, $300 for three sessions. Upcoming Schedule: Contemporary and Early 21st-century Artists (May 13, May 20, May 27) Artists of the 1960s (June 10, June 17, June 24) Artists of the 1940s (Fall/Winter Dates TBA) Artists from Early 19th-century-1920's (Fall/Winter Dates TBA)US Tip: Can't make the series? Pick up one of these Alston-recommended resources: "Collecting African American Art: Works on Paper and Canvas" by Halima Taha; "The Other Side of Color" by David C. Driskell (images of Bill Cosby's amazing art collection; Driskell is also quite a well-known artist); "A History of African American Artists" by Romare Bearden & Harry Henderson (Bearden is considered one of the top African-American artists); "30 Americans: Rubell Family Collection" by Franklin Sirmans - (very famous collection, outstanding & eclectic works for those interested in what is going on in the 'newer' art scene).
