My path into the world of art collecting didn’t start in a high-end gallery; it began unexpectedly in 2021 at a New York City museum gift shop. That’s where I discovered The Black Market: A Guide to Art Collecting by Charles Moore.
Before reading Moore’s work, the idea of “collecting” felt out of reach. Growing up, art was something to be admired from a distance, not something discussed as a wealth-building asset or a strategic financial investment.
Moore’s insights demystified the African American art market for me. He shifted my perspective from seeing art as a mere luxury to understanding it as a powerful tool for cultural preservation.
With new knowledge, I spent three years observing and learning. In 2024, I finally made my move. While scouting an estate sale in Washington, DC, I came across a striking piece by the renowned artist Leroy Campbell titled Red Dress. Finding a Campbell’s work at this estate sale that it was mine to get. To this day, it remains the cornerstone of my collection and a constant source of pride.
Over the past five years, I’ve learned valuable art collecting lessons working towards building a robust art collection—from budget, maintenance needs for art, logistical aspects of transporting art, and more. Whether you’re just beginning your journey or already collecting art, I hope to share insights and book resources that can guide and inspire your path through the self-guided workbook.
Some topics covered in the Workbook:
Motivations for art collecting
Discover which art mediums resonate with you
Choose how you prefer to buy art
Plan for the logistics of acquiring pieces
Prepare for long-term care and collection management
Resources
Books to Read
Art Fairs Guide
Where to Buy Art
Please be aware the self-guided workbook content provided in this workbook is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. This workbook guide is intended for self-reflection purposes only.
Updated on March 7, 2026
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