Win- Win Situation- Artist as Collector

South Florida based artist, Maggie Ruley is this week's guest blogger for our Artist as Collector Series.

Bromeliad, Coconuts and Lime, 1998
acrylic on canvas
20" x 16"
©2013JimSalem

I bought this painting at a benefit years ago.  A local potter, Jay Gogin, had been selected to study in Japan with a famous Japanese artist, and friends threw a benefit to help raise money for his expenses.  Jim Salem donated a painting and I knew right away when I saw it, that this was the piece I wanted to buy.  

It was one of those win-win situations.  I got a wonderful painting and I helped a fellow artist.  

 Jim is an amazing painter and a wonderful instructor.  I have taken classes with him for years.  "Bromeliad, coconuts and limes" is one of his demo paintings.  He starts each class with a half hour demonstration and it is amazing what he can accomplish in that time.  Finished works fetch high prices, and I was able to acquire this one at a very reasonable one.  

He still teaches and he and his partner have their own art gallery- Cocco- Salem in Key West, Florida.  Jim is very generous in both his art instruction and in his daily life.  

I am proud to be able to say "Oh yes-  I own a Salem"

Maggie Ruley is a painter and potter inspired by her beautiful tropical surroundings in Key West, Florida. (Lucky lady)