Collector’s Spotlight: Sharon Hoffman

Why did you start collecting?
We were newly married, living in Kansas City, and wanted to start collecting.
John’s parents had collected and we had both taken Art History. Ted Coe, then Contemporary Curator at the Nelson-Atkins and a major collector himself, took us under his wing. He introduced us to Contemporary Art, Art Nouveau, Art Deco, and American Indian. He taught us how to research, what to look for, and sent us to collections, museums and galleries. We started collecting all four with his help.

What was the first work of art you ever purchased?
Ted arranged for us to go to St Louis. We bought a George Segal print, Trova print, and an Oldenburgh print. The first piece we bought in Kansas City was a Fred Eversley at the opening of the Myra Morgan Gallery. It is now in the collection of the Nelson-Atkins and has been on exhibit in Bloch Lobby.

How do you describe your collecting strategy?
We began collecting a wide array of art. For the last 20 years we have concentrated on African American and African emerging artists whose work we gravitate to because we find it visually appealing and socially significant, with a creative use of materials and expression. We particularly enjoy meeting the artists and following their careers.

Where are your go to places to buy art?
National and International Art Fairs: EXPO CHICAGO, Art Basel Miami, The Armory Show and Frieze New York. Galleries in New York: Jack Shainman, LeLonge, Sikkema Jenkins and in Chicago Rhona Hoffman, Kavi Gupta and Monique Meloche.

As an example, we saw Kehinde Willey’s work at his second show at a gallery space in New York in 2005. A month later we saw his work at Art Basel Miami and bought a large drawing. In September of 2006 we were able to trade up to the painting through his gallery in Chicago.

Whose work is currently on your wish list?
The next emerging artist we haven’t seen yet.