So, You Want to Collect Art?
Samuel M.V. Hamilton Building
This program is offered in a hybrid format—join us in person at PAFA or watch the live stream on our YouTube channel.
So, You Want to Collect Art? invites you into an open, welcoming conversation about how people actually begin collecting art—without intimidation, jargon, or the pressure to “get it right.”
This beginner-friendly Art at Noon panel brings together two PAFA Board members at different points in their collecting journeys: Anne McCollum, a seasoned collector with years of experience, and Conrad Woody Jr., a newer collector navigating the process more recently. Together, they share candid insights into what they wish they had known when they started, from trusting your instincts and setting realistic budgets to working through money anxiety and building relationships with artists.
Rather than presenting a single “correct” way to collect, the conversation centers on collecting as a personal, intuitive, and values-driven practice—one shaped by curiosity, connection, and community. The panel explores how collections evolve over time and how collecting can reflect who we are, what we care about, and the creative communities we choose to support.
Whether you’re considering your first purchase, exploring the idea of collecting, or simply curious about how people begin, this program offers practical guidance, reassurance, and an encouraging place to start. Because art collecting isn’t about expertise—it’s about connection.
Art at Noon is a lecture series featuring conversations with artists and scholars. Programs are held Wednesdays from 12:00–1:00 PM and are offered in a hybrid format. See our full calendar for upcoming Art at Noon events →
This program is offered in a hybrid format—attend in person at PAFA or watch the live stream on YouTube. A link to the livestream will be emailed to all registrants by 11:30 AM on the day of the event. A recording of the program will be shared with registrants following the event.
Tickets are $15 general admission and $10 for members on the day of the event, with discounted advance pricing available at $10 for general admission and $5 for PAFA members. Become a Member →
Featured Artwork: S. Hilbert Sabin, "Art Collector's Desk " (by 1957) | PAFA - Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
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