Arts & Entertainment
Artist Will Let You Rent Before You Buy
Turningart.com is a new venue for local artists.
For most area artists, the best way to show off their work is at an art show or in a local gallery, however, one East Quogue artist has found new a way to show off her work to the masses — a Internet website, called Turningart.com.
Turningart.com, which was launched in August, provides homeowners with the opportunity to "rent" artwork before purchasing it while also providing a venue for local artists to sell and show their art.
"It is a new concept," said Meryl Spiegel, a photographer, who said she learned about the site through a friend.
Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"I've been trying to get my work out of the local area and I thought this would be a great opportunity," she said.
Spiegel said that after looking into the site, she learned that not just any artist can have their work displayed on the site.
Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
"There is a screening process," she said.
After a few months of waiting, Spiegel said she was excited to learn that she was accepted. A page was created for her artwork, which features some of her photographs.
Artists do not have to pay to be on the site, said Spiegel, however, they are charged a fee if they sell their work.
Money is mostly made by the site's creators through a $10 per month user subscription.
With a membership, users can "rent" framed, museum quality prints that are sent to them to try out on their wall. They then have the option to purchase the art or swap it out for another trial.
"It is great for me in terms of publicity," said Spiegel.
To view Spiegel's art on Turningart.com, click here.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.