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www.transformergallery.org
Last spring, Transformer Gallery launched a new program called Collector's View, which invited participants into the homes of bigtime DC art collectors. During four one-day events running between March and June 2008, visitors got an inside look at the collections of Heather and Tony Podesta, Christine Varney and Tom Graham, Shigeko and Tim Bork and Jan and Peter Hapstak. Not only did participants get to visit the beautiful residences of these collectors, but they got a peek at their extensive and personal collections, which span several years and countless artists. The added bonus of these viewings was that the collectors were there to contribute their own anecdotes about obtaining the pieces and their experiences with the artists. Sometimes even the artists themselves were there to contribute their side of the story.
According to Transformer's web site, the program was "launched with tremendous success" last year, which is why they're doing it again for Spring 2009. The first event is this Sunday, March 22, 4:30-6:30pm at the home of Barbara and Aaron Levine in Kalorama, DC, whose collection ranges from Duchamp, to Richter, to Warhol. This is followed by three other afternoons with Farinaz and Dadi Akhavan in April, Lorie Peters Lauthier in May and Paul Yandura and David Hitchcock in June. Each viewing is $50 per person or $175 to register for all four.
The first event is only open to those who buy the package of four views, but if you don't necessarily care about seeing the big name art, go for the June viewing with Paul Yandura and David Hitchcock. Their pieces are especially quirky, with an emphasis on outsider art, making for particularly interesting discussions about their acquisition and the personal factors influencing the collectors.
The chance to enter into the everyday worlds of these collectors inspires the hope that we too, could be in this "elite" group one day. Transformer is doing a good thing - enlivening the DC arts scene by inspiring art sales and increasing art and gallery accessibility. If anything, participants should find that art collecting isn't about a good eye or great taste, just personal passions , interests and even whims.
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