Inside the Pages: Exploring a Chapter of Art For Everyone
This week, I achieved a lifelong dream. On Monday, my new book Art For Everyone officially went on presale—a project that’s been five years in the making.
From the very beginning, I knew I wanted this book to be different from others in the art world. My goal? To make art approachable, accessible, and yes—affordable. So many people tell me they don’t know where to start when it comes to collecting art. They’re curious but feel like they don’t have a place in the art world. This book is my way of opening that door for them.
In February 2024, the editor at Simon & Schuster reached out with a question I’d been secretly waiting my whole life to hear: Have you ever considered writing a book? The timing felt right. The result is a 208‑page, 50,000‑word guide broken into nine chapters, each one answering the questions I hear most often in my gallery.
One of the biggest topics I dive into is affordability—a subject that truly sets my gallery apart. I break it down into four core areas:
- How artists price their work
- Why art can feel expensive
- What to budget
- What extra costs to consider
Here’s a quick peek inside the book: Many artists set their prices by square inch. For example, if an artist charges $3 per square inch, a 10" x 20" piece would be priced at $600. Others may charge hourly, which is harder for clients to predict. Beyond the artwork itself, costs like framing, shipping, installation, and insurance may also factor in. Listed are a few of the 140 artists represented throughout my book, that we also represent at my gallery:
Michelle Armas,
Paige Barnes Dorsey,
Angela Chrusciaki Blehm, Betsy Enzensberger,
AK Hardeman,
Racheal Jackson, and
Elisa Sheehan.
A common misconception I address is that “art is expensive.” The truth is, value is relative—what feels expensive to one person may be accessible to another. While some pieces do sell for millions, much of the art world is made up of emerging and mid‑career artists (the heart of my gallery) whose work is far more affordable.
In the book, I share how to start budgeting—often between $1,000 and $2,500 for an original work—without feeling overwhelmed. Like any passion, collecting art is a learning process. Start small, ask questions, and lean on experts (especially my book!) to help guide you. Over time, you’ll build confidence and find joy in growing your collection. That’s exactly how I became an art fanatic.
This is not a coffee table book—although it does feature beautiful work from 140 artists (including many we proudly represent). It’s a straightforward, beginner‑friendly guide meant to make you feel comfortable in the art world without intimidating “art vocab.” Because at the end of the day, art doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
PLUS!!! If you'd like to learn more about my book, get some behind-the-scenes insights, and get to know me and my gallery better, check out the interview featured in The Des Moines Register about me and my new book.
Where to shop?
Click any icon below to head straight to the presale of my book. I’m so grateful for all the love and support—thank you!
