Buy American
American Flag by Robin Branham
We recently had the pleasure of visiting the home of Celebration of Fine Art artists Robin Branham and Randy Berkeley. While there we got to take a peek into Robin’s incredible studio. She had just finished up this commission of the American Flag for some collectors here in the Scottsdale area. I instantly fell in love with this amazing work of art done in Robin’s signature style of texture and subtle abstract feel. I just had to snap a photo. And, yes I admit, it is an very rough and non-professional photo, it is not properly lit and as you can see the painting is leaning vertically against a work table; but still the image is powerful! There is nothing like the American Flag to bring out a sense of pride and passion for our great country.
It got me thinking about the fact that we are all looking for ways to help out our country and our economy. Many of you may have seen the special series that Diane Sawyer featured recently on ABC News called Made In America where they emptied out all of the products not made in America out of peoples homes and then challenged them to find a favorite thing that is Made in America. It certainly was an eye opener. Like many, I have been looking for ways that I can help make our economy stronger. Buying American seems like an easy enough thing to do, but it certainly takes a bit of effort-especially if you tend to be an impulse shopper like me which means you don’t always take time to look a tags! I pledge that I will continue on my quest and look for items that support great American companies and American jobs and the American way of life that is so precious.
One way that I always know I am buying American is when I buy something directly from the person who created it! When you buy an original work of art created by a real person you not only are making your world a brighter place by adding to your collection, you are truly helping out our economy. We have the great honor of partnering with many amazing artists whose lives are dedicated to sharing their creative talents with the world. For many this represents great sacrifice. Many artists travel around the country showing their work at shows and exhibits throughout the year. Some leave family behind and others pack up the family and take them along on this great artistic journey. For most of the artists I know, this is a sacrifice they are willing to make because they absolutely have to create their works of art – it’s like breathing. So they do whatever it takes to follow this passion and share their talents with the rest of us. You can be assured that every time you purchase work from the artists that you meet that you are making a difference in their family life and the ripple effect of that purchase is felt in all areas of our economy. In addition, you have the great satisfaction of the connection to the artist behind the work of art that you are bringing in to your home. We are honored that we have a personal connection to the artist of every piece of art in our home. In our eyes it increases the value of the work of art ten fold and more. Every piece tells a story of friendship.
We encourage you to get out to the local Art Fairs and Festivals, Open Studio Tours and, by all means, plan to come out and meet the 2012 Celebration of Fine Art artists this January and see how you can become part of the “Made in America” phenomenon that is sweeping the nation while you build relationships and great art collections. Other ways to help out your local economy include shopping at your local Farmer’s Markets for the best seasonal produce grown by local farmers. You’ll fill your plate with healthy and tasty items and help out your local economy at the same time. Look for local businesses run by fellow members of your community that you can support. Together we can all make our country stronger, both in terms of our economy and our community.
We are counting the days until we welcome our wonderful family of artists and collectors back under our big white tent. Until then, we wish you health and happiness as you celebrate each precious day!
Susan and Jake
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