It has been reported that the American collector and patron William (‘Bill’) Arnett died on 12 August at the age of 81. Beginning in the 1980s, Arnett focused his collecting energies on the work of self-taught African American artists from the Southern United States. In 2010, he founded the Souls Grown Deep Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to documenting, preserving and promoting this work. The foundation has holdings of some 1,000 pieces by more than 160 artists, including Thornton Dial, Lonnie Holley, and the quilt-makers of Gee’s Bend.
Collecting art is a journey that balances emotion, intuition, and long-term vision. While the art world may sometimes feel overwhelming, approaching it with curiosity and intention can make the process deeply rewarding. Each artwork you choose is not just a purchase but a reflection of your values, curiosity, and relationship to creativity.