BULLETIN BOARD
BY:
Giannina S. Bedford
ART CONSULTANT COLLEEN LANE TALKS SHOP
C
olleen Lane launched her eponymous art consultancy, Colleen Lane Art Advisory, in 2018, but her first artistic calling was ballet. She trained with the Nashville Ballet, Pacific Northwest Ballet and Chautauqua Institution, where she nurtured an appreciation for artistic lines. She went on to major in marketing at Miami University in Ohio and earn a master’s in public administration for nonprofit management from Georgia State University, pursuing her arts interest from the business perspective. As a docent at the High Museum since 2015, her training in visual thinking serves as a foundation for her goal to help clients select the ideal piece of art for any space. Simply Buckhead chatted with the Buckhead resident and mom of two about the art cultivation process. When should homeowners work with an art consultant? Art is an investment, albeit a very personal type of investment. Looking for a piece you love that
also complements the space may seem daunting. Determining value can also be intimidating. When working with clients, I share my expertise while helping them feel comfortable in the fact that there is no wrong answer when it comes to art. What can clients expect through the art selection process? The key is determining what type of art inspires the client. My model is similar to that of an interior designer. After spending time together to understand client preferences, I source several works that could work in the space and remain within budget. What advice can you give for buying art? This process starts with asking questions and getting curious about your preferences. What do you like? Why do you like it? Which elements of art strike you—color, shape, line, texture? How does a piece make you feel? Are you intrigued by the artist’s process?
DESIGN NEWS
When would you suggest a commission? Commissions can be tricky because you do not want to inhibit the artist’s process. If you really want to purchase a piece from a particular artist for a specific space, a commission may be the only option, especially if there isn’t a suitable size in the inventory. What about placing art? When placing art, it is important to notice how a piece enhances a space. Be sure to leave space in the room for the eye to rest. Every wall doesn’t need to be a showcase. What are some of the best ways to teach kids about art? Let them have an opinion. If they think they can replicate a work, let them try. Visit the High Museum. Bring pencils
n Buckhead-based interior designer Melanie Turner has released her first book, Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take on Beautiful Rooms (Rizzoli, March 2021, available on Amazon). She shares tips on creating “understated, sophisticated and functional rooms.” Since establishing her interior design firm in 2009, Turner has become known for her timeless designs that use clean lines, custom furniture and curated art. She has studio locations in Atlanta and Charleston, as well as the Melanie Turner Home store in Big Sky, Montana. n In 2020, Harry Norman, Realtors donated more than $135,000 through the Community Foundation for Greater
Photos: Laura Negri Childers
PICKING THE PIECE
and paper, and let them sketch. Get curious about three works that you or they want to see. The best toddler class in town is the Toddler Thursday at the High. The interactive children’s spaces are so much fun. n colleenlaneart.com
Atlanta. The effort, which began with a goal of raising $90,000 for local organizations, was part of its 90th anniversary commemoration. To surpass its goal, the real estate firm engaged all Harry Norman offices around the state. harrynorman.com n Thomas Deans Fine Art welcomes a mini exhibition of the works of Chicago-born Deedra Ludwig. The show runs at the Miami Circle gallery from April 16 to May 15 and showcases Ludwig’s fine art works, which document observations of the natural world through the mediums of oil pigments, ink, soil and other nontraditional materials. thomasdeansfineart.com
PRODUCT
SPOTLIGHT
Add a rustic, European touch to your dining space with the Sienna Cane Back Dining Chair from Acquisitions Interiors. Part of the store’s in-house ACQ Collection, it’s made in Italy and available in multiple finishes and fabrics. It’s pictured here in “Bright Lime White” with a performance linen fabric on the seat. Available for $598. acquisitionsinteriors.com .
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May 2021 | Simply Buckhead
