"This is called Sundew," Paul Santoleri said.
He is talking about a painting of his that incorporates found objects. He didn't sell it, but he did make a trade for it.
"I got a medical visit, because I needed it," he said.
In fact, everything on his walls is available for trade. The show is called "Art4Barter." The idea came about when Antonio Puri saw his son trading toys with his friends.
"It's a tough time, and artist find creative ways to find solutions," Puri said. "And this is one alternative solution."
The artist requests items or services that they'd like in exchange for the art they've created. Some ask for airline tickets or even food.
"It's just like any other trade," Puri said. "You negotiate what you think your work can get."
Vinod Dave is hoping to one day barter some of his work for braces for his daughter.
If the artists sold the works, they'd price them anywhere between $500 and $75,000. And even in the bartering world, sometimes the price is a little too high.
"I think someone asked for love, but I don't think they got that one," Puri said.
But in many of the cases, an exchange is agreed upon. And for the artists, it's often better than cold hard cash.
"I'm sharing my work with them, and they're sharing their work with me," Santoler said. "It's much more intimate."
Art for barter is now looking for gallery space. Of course, in exchange for the space, the donor would receive art work. There is another show planned for June.
For more information on Art4Barter and the upcoming show, visit http://antoniopuri.com/Art4Barter.htm.
---
WEB PRODUCED BY: Bill King
NEW YORK AND TRI-STATE AREA NEWS
USEFUL LINKS:
