Art advice
A Beginner’s Guide to Buying Art at our Austin Fair
Learn tips and tricks to buying art at the Austin fair in this step-by-step guide.
Bella Villanueva
Thursday 1 May, 2025
Buying your first piece of art can be an exciting experience, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Fear not; we are here to guide you through your journey of discovering and buying the perfect artwork at Affordable Art Fair Austin.
1. Uncover your personal taste
Before your fair visit, we recommend taking a moment to reflect on your personal taste. Art is a personal expression. How should the artwork work with your décor? Consider a bold graphic print to spruce up a boring room or bring some zen to a cluttered space with a calming abstract.
At Affordable Art Fair Austin, you'll find a treasure trove of 1,000s of artworks with a range of styles and genres to suit every taste, space and spend. To help narrow your hunt for that perfect piece, consider exploring our galleries in advance to get a sneak peek at the distinct offerings and identify the artists that resonate with you.
2. Set your budget
Buying art doesn't have to break the bank, and knowing how much you want to spend can help you focus. You're more likely to find a limited edition print for under $250, than a painting or sculpture but you never know!
One of the unique features of Affordable Art Fair Austin is the wide range of prices, with all artworks priced between $100 and $10,000. All artworks you see at the fair are for sale and clearly priced. If you’re on the hunt for something under $1,000 or under $500, we have pink stickers to help you spot those gems from afar.
We always recommend getting to know galleries and artists ahead of your visit, keep up to date with our emails and social media, so you can get to know the range of styles and mediums available. If you fall for an artwork that is out of your price range, don’t be afraid to ask our helpful galleries if they have a smaller size available from that artist. You might just get to snap up a piece before it’s even hung up on the wall!
3. Ask questions
We pride ourselves on being a welcoming environment, and our expert galleries are no different. Don’t hesitate to ask our friendly gallerists any questions you may have about an artwork. Conversations with galleries and artists can add a layer of depth and appreciation to your art-buying experience. They're as passionate about art as you are!
Some of our favourite questions to ask are:
“What inspired the artist?”
“What techniques do they employ?”
“Can you tell me about this artist’s CV?”
4. Immerse yourself
Attending Affordable Art Fair Austin is not just about buying art; it's the ultimate arty day out with family and friends. Plan to spend the day exploring the myriad of art available, relaxing in the Four Hands Lounge, collecting a mini print from the Austin Mini Art machine and hitting up the bar. For the littlest of art lovers, we have engaging art projects and scavenger hunts planned during Family Hours. The fair is designed to be a day-long celebration of all things art, with something for everyone, from seasoned collectors to first-time art enthusiasts.
5. Follow your heart
Finding the perfect artwork is a lot like falling in love. If you're still thinking about that piece, then you know you've found the one for your walls. There is no better reason to purchase and it means you'll enjoy it for years to come.
6. Take your artwork home with you that day
Each of our fairs have complimentary art wrapping onsite, so that you can take your new artworks home that day ready to hang. If you would prefer to have your purchase shipped, do speak to our partners who can provide you with a quote.
Remember, art is a personal journey, and our fair is designed to make your experience fun and fulfilling. With complimentary art wrapping and the ability to take your purchased artwork home the same day, we've made the process seamless for you. We do warn you in advance – buying art is addictive.
Ready to discover the joy of collecting art? Join us from May 15 - 18, at the Palmer Events Center.