Herb & Dorothy: Proving you don’t need to be rich to buy art

PUBLISHED January 23rd, 2014 01:00 am | UPDATED July 25th, 2024 02:42 pm

We hadn’t the faintest idea who Herbert & Dorothy were prior to this recent movie screening at The Arts House. Huh, Herb & Dorothy? Sounds like an up-market toiletries brand. Now that we have watched the documentary, we are no doubt their biggest fans.

The documentary gave us a peek into the world of Herb & Dorothy Vogel, a couple obsessed with collecting contemporary art, who managed to amass over 4,000 pieces in their one-bedroom apartment over a span of about 50 years with their modest salary. All these art works were eventually donated to the National Gallery of Art, with 2,500 pieces distributed to 50 institutions across 50 states in America – 50 works to 50 states. Their story serves up an important reminder to us all – you don’t have to be rich to buy art.

Now, we hear you clucking your tongue going, ‘but there is no place in Singapore where art is affordable’! The usual major, established galleries aside, there exist small pockets of space in this city that might prove to be pocket-friendly without compromising on aesthetic standard and quality. These are some places you can check out:

Cafes

CAD Café

Merging coffee, art, and design together, this café presents you great coffee along with a showcase of art pieces and designs from both internationally renowned artists to local works.

CAD Cafe is located at 23 Haji Lane, Singapore 189216. For more information see their website here.

Orange Thimble

Art meets café in this creative corner. A spot for the thinkers, believers, travellers, and neighbours, Orange Thimble is the go-to place if you wish to immerse yourself in art in a cosy setting.

Orange Thimble is located at 56 Eng Hoon Street, #01-68, Singapore 160056. For more information see their Facebook page here.

Cups N Canvas

Cups N Canvas is all about the harmony of art and coffee, in a café-studio setting coupled with elements of fun, vibrancy and homeliness with regular exhibitions showcasing the work of local artists.

Cups N Canvas is located at 139 Selegie Rd, Singapore 188309. For more information see their website here.

MARKETS

The Vault Sunday Artist Market

This bi-monthly artists market presents a range of crafts and creations where you will be able to source for new works, meet-and-greet artists, and bring home a piece to your liking.

The Vault is located at 23 Circular Road, Singapore 049379. For details on the next market Like the Vault Facebook page here.

MAAD Market of Artists and Designers

The Market of Artists And Designers takes place one Friday night each month at the red dot design museum. To encourage creativity and originality in the local community, various installations, designs, and innovations are put on show.

The red dot design museum is located at 28 Maxwell Road, Singapore. For details on the next market Like the MAAD Facebook page here.

ART SCHOOLS

LASALLE College of The Arts & Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts – pop by their graduation shows or exhibitions to show support for the local art students and budding artists. You will find your place in the creative industry’s ecosystem by appreciating and purchasing their pieces.

LASALLE College of The Arts is located at 1 McNally Street, Singapore 187940. For more information on their 2014 shows see their website here.

Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts is located at 80 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189655. For more information on their 2014 shows see their website here.

MAKE YOUR OWN

With a large number of art stores stocked full of supplies and materials in Singapore, you will never be short of tools to get your hands dirty creating your own masterpiece. Be inspired by the wealth of courses offered at places like Goodman Arts Centre. Let your imagination take over. Now, this is what we call truly, original art.

Goodman Arts Centre is located at 90 Goodman Rd, Singapore 439053. For more information on classes see their website here.