Online shopping B次元官网网址� once a clunky, uncommon practice B次元官网网址� is now something thatB次元官网网址檚 become incredibly mainstream. However, there are some markets that, until recently, have been largely confined to bricks and mortar. But during the pandemic, Dr. Lara Tomaszewska saw an opportunity to help change that. 

B次元官网网址淭he idea for an online art marketplace really came into view for me during the pandemic, when traditional galleries and art shows werenB次元官网网址檛 open to the public in the same way they were before,B次元官网网址� explains Lara, describing her business, ArtRow.  

Lara and her team launched ArtRow B次元官网网址� an online art marketplace B次元官网网址� nearly a year ago, in October of 2023. B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 a marketplace for everyday sellers. People can have pieces listed online, maintain possession in the meantime, and they donB次元官网网址檛 enter into any type of consignment contract with us. WeB次元官网网址檙e trying to break the mold in terms of traditional art sales and create a new type of space where buyers and sellers can be confident making art investment decisions, regardless of their prior experience,B次元官网网址� she added. 

Unlike other open platforms, ArtRow is a professionally managed marketplace. ArtRowB次元官网网址檚 network of professionals research and vet each piece listed and manage everything from research on the artist, to valuations, and ultimately the listing and marketing of a piece. B次元官网网址淎rtRow is a first mover in this space; weB次元官网网址檙e considered a disruptor in the traditional business of fine art. ItB次元官网网址檚 really quite an exciting place to be,B次元官网网址� says Lara. 

She believes the success of the business in its first year is due to several factors, including market shifts during the pandemic. 

B次元官网网址淕alleries are very important, and they are the backbone of the conventional art market but theyB次元官网网址檙e also facing difficulties and shifts in the art market. Not only is it increasingly expensive to operate brick and mortar locations, more and more purchases, regardless of the good or service in question, are happening online,B次元官网网址� explains Lara. 

Rapid shifts in technology and the demographic shift of more and more young buyers coming into the market are also having impacts on the traditional art landscape, she adds. 

B次元官网网址淵oung buyers especially, are savvy in online high value and luxury resale, whether thatB次元官网网址檚 art, handbags, or clothing. ArtRow is a wayB次元官网网址痶oB次元官网网址痯ivot within a traditional industry and reach everyone B次元官网网址� Gen Z and Gen X buyers who are growing their collections and older sellers who are looking to downsize their collections. It works for everyone.B次元官网网址� 

Lara is not only the intrepid mind behind ArtRow, she also holds a PhD in Art History from the University of British Columbia and has lived and worked within the art realms of Toronto, Paris, Vancouver and London. Her global art network sees her working closely with private collectors, institutions, researchers and curators, gallerists, and auction houses and she has sold art from the likes of Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Andy Warhol, and Emily Carr, to name just a few. 

During her interview with Tweed Magazine, Lara was kind enough to share some advice on how to best start and maintain an art collection for your home.  

Like it or Not 

B次元官网网址淟ook at as much art as possible B次元官网网址� go online, go to galleries, go to auctions. Find out what excites you or speaks to you B次元官网网址� usually youB次元官网网址檒l find it will align with something B次元官网网址� perhaps a cause or a passion of yours. It could be a particular medium you enjoy, or a specific theme, or an artist, or a topic. Once you find out what speaks to you, write a list. And with that list, you can start to source art.B次元官网网址� 

Collect With a Purpose 

B次元官网网址淪ourcing art is very intentional. Once you have the list of themes, topics, ideas or artists, itB次元官网网址檚 time to decide the purpose of your collection. Will the collection ultimately be passed down or donated to an institution, for example? Do you want it to be focused and streamlined? Or diversified to include different mediums and periods, such as historical and contemporary? These are all things to consider.B次元官网网址� 

At the Source 

B次元官网网址淲hen itB次元官网网址檚 time to source, an art advisor can be incredibly helpful. Ideally, we have a large network to draw from, we are independent and neutral, and we will be able to bring you choices from various sources. We will also be able to support you through the purchasing process, including transaction negotiation, shipping, and framing considerations.B次元官网网址� 

Maintenance is Key 

B次元官网网址淥nce youB次元官网网址檝e started your collection, make sure youB次元官网网址檙e keeping it up to date in terms of valuation, insurance and maintenance. We know that about 60 per cent of collectors are concerned about art holding its value B次元官网网址� so itB次元官网网址檚 an important aspect that shouldnB次元官网网址檛 be overlooked. Here again, the role of an art advisor can be helpful. We can continue to bring you up to date information on your collectionB次元官网网址檚 value and help you to properly care and maintain your collection.B次元官网网址� 

For more information on Lara, . For more information on ArtRow,