An Intimate Look at Houston's Art Scene

Liz Anders, senior associate at Kinzelman Art Consulting, is teaching a course for all of us art enthusiasts who have long wondered about the nuts and bolts of everything having to do with art. She is happy to oblige with her new series, "Art Connection: Behind the Scenes" in which she takes us through the business side of art: auction houses, art collection, framing, conservation, appraisals, and more. This current semester focuses on visiting artists' studios, but there will be ongoing classes in the future covering many other aspects of the art world. We recently spoke with her to find out more. 

WIH Reporter: What is important for us to know about your upcoming class and your art series in general?  

Anders: This course is unique because the majority of the classes will take place outside of the classroom. For this first course in the series, we will be visiting artists' studios. I find it exciting to interact with the artist and to view his or her work in person. The Art Connection series is also unique because we will explore Houston's art scene and visit places off the beaten path. For example, we will visit collections that few participants have access to outside of our class. 

WIH Reporter: We understand that your upcoming classes will be focusing on the business side of art. Can you tell us, for instance, the biggest misconceptions that people have about auction houses?


Anders: A lot of people are intimidated by the larger auction houses. As long as you are able to navigate the auction house websites, determine the appropriate specialist department to call for the property you wish to buy or sell, and know the right questions to ask,  it can be a quite fun and exciting process.


WIH Reporter: What are some common misconceptions about framing?



Anders: Sometimes people don't realize how important framing and conservation is to a work of art.  If you have spent a bit of money on the artwork, it makes sense to spend a bit of money on the framing in order to protect the artwork and to extend the life of the art. You wouldn't want a valuable print or watercolor to fade or deteriorate because you didn't use glass or Plexiglas with the proper UV protection. 


WIH Reporter: Will every class be a field trip? 


Anders: No, not every class. I plan to begin each course with the first class meeting at the Women's Institute, which will be an introduction to the course.


WIH Reporter: What books would we find on your night table?


Anders: Right now the following is on my night table: "An Object of Beauty" by Steve Martin, "Elizabeth Street" by Laurie Fabiano, Art Forum magazine and Art and Auction magazine.

WIH Reporter: Although your April class is filled, we understand you plan to offer courses on the multifaceted aspects of the art world in future semesters.


Anders: I hope to offer the course each semester.


The first of an ongoing series, Liz Anders' current course is intended for art enthusiasts and those who are interested in the inner workings of Houston’s extensive fine arts scene. Her “Art Connection: Behind the Scenes” series will focus on the basic components of viewing and collecting art such as private and corporate collection tours, navigating art galleries, visiting non-profit and museum exhibition spaces, demystifying auction houses and learning about caring for your collection through framing, conservation and appraisals.